Gardai opened a murder inquiry last night after a post-mortem examination confirmed that a man found dead in woodland on the Dublin-Wicklow border was shot in the head. The victim, who has not been named, was aged 39 and was from Inchicore in Dublin.
Detectives investigating the case had issued a description in the hope that someone who knew him would come forward. He was of slim build and between 5 ft 9 and 5 ft 11. He was wearing brown boots, navy jeans and a black jacket with the inscription "Inchicore Celtic Emeralds Supporters Club". A post-mortem was conducted by the deputy State pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy.
The body was found by walkers in Ballinascorney Woods, about three miles east of the village of Brittas, at around 10 a.m. yesterday. It was face-down in a ravine near a quarry at the entrance to the woods, on a route popular with hill-walkers.
Dr Cassidy had earlier carried out a preliminary investigation at the scene before the body was removed to Tallaght hospital. An Incident Room is in operation at Tallaght Garda Station on 01-6666056.
