The paedophile priest, Brendan Smyth, died of a heart attack according to the preliminary findings of his post-mortem examination, which was carried out yesterday. His burial is expected to take place at Kilnacrott Abbey, Co Cavan, today.
After serving a month of a 12year sentence, he collapsed at the Curragh Prison on Friday evening, and was pronounced dead on arrival at Naas General Hospital.
Insp John Murphy, of Naas Garda station, attended the postmortem examination on the Norbertine priest, which was carried out by the State pathologist, Dr John Harbison, at the hospital.
Insp Murphy said it had concluded at 4.30 p.m. yesterday and the preliminary findings were that Smyth had had a heart attack.
There has to be a coroner's report into every death in custody. It was expected that the body would be released for burial last night.
A spokesman for the Norbertine Order said yesterday the order had given a commitment to the Smyth family that the burial would be private. A grave had been dug in the grounds of the abbey and the burial would take place at a private ceremony.