The family of the Donegal man whose death has given rise to the Morris tribunal were yesterday said to be "devastated" by the refusal of the State Pathologist's Office to release his remains for re-interment. Connie Duffy reports.
Nearly seven years after his death on October 14th, 1996, the inquest into the death of 54-year-old Raphoe cattle dealer Richie Barron finally concluded last Friday in Letterkenny.
His as yet unexplained death has led to allegations of Garda harassment, an internal Garda investigation, the establishment of the Morris tribunal, threats of legal action, the ongoing saga involving Raphoe publican Frank McBrearty and members of his family in and out of various courts, the exhumation of Mr Barron's body and various rumours.
There have been numerous postponements of Mr Barron's inquest since it opened last July. While the inquest was formally concluded last Friday, it appears the matter is not over yet.
At the concluding hearing the coroner, Gortahork-based solicitor Mr Seán Cannon, directed that the remains be re-interred in the family grave in Raphoe cemetery. He added that a funeral director designated by the Barron family would collect the remains, which had been retained for further forensic and pathological examination in Trinity College, Dublin.
Mr Cannon thanked the family for their "tolerance and patience in allowing the remains to be held for further examination", and said he hoped the closing of the inquest would "put a finality to their long process of grieving".
The Barron family solicitor, Mr Paudge Dorrian, said yesterday when they went to make the arrangements they were told by Dr John Harbison's office the Morris tribunal had not given any permission to release the body.
"The Barron family are devastated. They had made arrangements for a private, dignified re-interment but they were told by Dr Harbison's office that the Morris tribunal had indicated the body was to be retained."
Mr Dorrian added he could not understand why the family was being treated in this way. "They have suffered enough."
A spokesman for the Morris tribunal said Dr Harbison had not given evidence yet.