Appeal to mother of dead baby

Gardai in Tipperary have renewed their appeal to the mother of a new-born baby found dead in a field in Roscrea on Christmas …

Gardai in Tipperary have renewed their appeal to the mother of a new-born baby found dead in a field in Roscrea on Christmas Eve to come forward.

Supt Jim Mulligan, who is heading the investigation, said gardai wanted "to give the mother the opportunity to give a name and burial to the child".

Gardai resumed door-to-door inquiries throughout Roscrea yesterday.

Supt Mulligan stressed there was still concern for the mother's health - she would be offered professional counselling and medical attention if she came forward, he said.

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The body of the infant was found in a field beside Cois Carrig housing estate last Friday morning by two boys playing there.

Patrick Maher and Andrew Walshe, both aged nine, came across what they believed was a doll. One of the boys poked the dead child with his finger and immediately realised that the small infant was real. The boys alerted a neighbour who contacted the gardai.

The body of the infant was taken to Nenagh General Hospital where a post-mortem examination revealed that the dead child had no injuries which caused death. Gardai say foul play is not suspected.

Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have relevant information to come forward.