The body of a man who died in mysterious circumstances over 40 years ago is being exhumed today.

23-year-old Patrick Nugent was working at a private party at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park in February 1984.

He was a banqueting manager at the venue and he was helping to host a 40th wedding anniversary on the night he died.

'He clocked me'

Irish Examiner Special Correspondent Mick Clifford told Newstalk he was found with serious injuries outside the venue in the early hours of the morning.

“That event, there was about 60 guests at it,” he said.

“Then, move it forward to the end of the evening, it was about 3am and most people had gone home but there were still a few people on the premises.

“Suddenly one of the staff heard a loud bang and they heard a noise from the reception area.

“They went out and Pat Nugent was on the ground, looking very distressed and seriously injured.

“He said to one of the staff, “He clocked me” – but he didn’t say who he was referencing.”

Inspector David Pinerty stands beside photographs of Patrick Nugent, 23, as he makes a fresh appeal for information at Shannon Garda Station into his death, 24-09-2024. Image: PA Images / Alamy

Mr Nugent was given First Aid CPR at the scene before being transferred by Ambulance to Barrington’s Hospital, Limerick.

He later died as a result of his injuries.

Mr Nugent's family believe he died violently and that his death was not investigated properly.

A man was charged with manslaughter but the charge was later dropped and he was acquitted on other counts he was facing.

Exhumation

Today’s exhumation comes two years after Gardaí launched a cold case review into Mr Nugent’s death.

Gardaí are due to hold a press conference later this morning.

Additional reporting from Michael Staines.