The garda leading the investigation into the murder of Connemara schoolgirl Ms Siobhan Hynes (17) has dismissed as rumour newspaper reports that results of DNA analysis from her body would be available this week.
"For DNA testing you have to have a suspect. Nobody has been arrested and I don't know where that story originated," Supt Jim Sugrue said yesterday in the murder investigation headquarters in Carraroe.
Ms an Hynes's body was discovered last Sunday week on Tismeain beach near Carraroe.
Gardai yesterday discovered the bracelet of a watch she had been wearing that night. The watch itself had been recovered two days ago at the beach near where her body had been found. It was identified by her parents. It had stopped at 4.30 and gardai hope it may give some information as to the time of her death. The watch bracelet was discovered nearby in sand below the waterline.
Ms Hynes, from Leitir Mor, was killed after leaving friends in nearby Carraroe on Saturday, December 5th. Last Saturday night, in an attempt to refresh people's memories, gardai handed out questionnaires in Carraroe.
"We received a good response, but the questionnaire yielded little of value," said Supt Sugrue, explaining that the town was quieter than normal following the death.
Supt Sugrue refused to comment on rumours that an arrest was imminent. "This is a serious matter. We have to look at all suspects and eliminate them and build up a case. We have to get it right.
"It's a difficult time for everyone because the community here is a close-knit one, but people have been most co-operative and eager to help with the investigation."
Parents are worried about letting their teenagers out while the murder remains unsolved, he said. "But youngsters have to go out and enjoy themselves. The best advice is don't detach from your group. There is great security in numbers, especially for young girls."
He refused to comment on whether Ms Hynes had been sexually assaulted before being killed, but stated that recent reports of a rape in the Carraroe area were unfounded. "Three weeks ago there was a common assault on a young woman and a person has since been questioned."
Leitir Mor parish priest Father Michael Brennan stated that this was a difficult time for the local community and for Siobhan Hynes's family. "With the ongoing investigation her death is very much to the fore and people are afraid."