Gardaí say the body of a man, found in Galway in 2014, is that of a Polish national.

The man's body was discovered in Rusheen Bay Woods at Barna on September 27th that year.

He was found in the coastal area by another man walking his dog.

His death was originally treated as a personal tragedy - but as he had no form of identification and very few items in his possession, it was not possible to establish his identity.

Extensive efforts were made by An Garda Síochána to confirm who he was, including searches of local and international missing person's databases.

Fingerprinting and dental examinations were carried out - while a facial reconstruction was also done.

Numerous media appeals were issued at various stages.

Among the man's possessions was a single silver key with 'EPA' inscribed on it, Euro and  Sterling currency, as well as a Canadian/USA watch and clothing believed to have been bought in the United States/Canada.

It was the key which helped unlock the mystery of his identity.

The facial reconstruction image | Image: Garda Press Office

In recent weeks, two Polish people contacted Gardaí after only becoming aware of the previous appeals.

They informed them that a Polish man had been living with them in a house in Galway for a brief period in late September 2014 - and had advised them to rent his room out after a certain period of time if he did not return.

Since that time, the men had changed the locks in their home but had retained the old locking mechanism.

Gardaí were able to confirm that the key, which had been found on the deceased man, was a match to this locking mechanism.

This led to a definite line of enquiry as to the person's identity.

A DNA comparison was conducted via Interpol in Poland, confirming the man to be a Polish national.

Gardaí understand that the man travelled to the United States in the early 1990s from Poland - and in 2014 he travelled to Ireland within weeks of being found in Rusheen Bay Woods.

Arising from the lack of a formal identity, the State made arrangements for a burial to take place in Bohermore Cemetery, Co Galway.

The man's relatives have been contacted and a file will now be prepared for the county coroner.

Superintendent Patrick McHugh said: "Great credit is due to the dedicated Gardaí who have been working this case to establish the identity of this man since 2014.

"The circumstances of this case are both sad and tragic.

"The family and An Garda Síochána are grateful to the individuals who came forward to provide us with the key to solving this matter.

"Taking the crucial step of contacting the Gardaí has ensured that this man's family are now aware of the whereabouts of their loved one".