Philbin Bowman post-mortem results will not be released

The garda will not release to the press the results of the post-mortem examination of the body of Mr Jonathan Philbin Bowman.

A spokesman for the force said the final results of the post-mortem carried out at the City Morgue yesterday would be passed on to the coroner but not to the press.

A hearing at the Coroner's Court is likely before the end of the year, according to the spokesman.

Mr Bowman (31) was found dead at his home in Harold's Cross, Dublin, on Monday afternoon. Garda sources believed he may have died in an accidental fall down the stairs at his home, but the results of a preliminary examination of the scene by the Assistant State Pathologist on Monday gave no indication of the cause of his death.

The director-general of RTE, Mr Bob Collins, paid tribute to Mr Philbin Bowman yesterday. He said RTE staff had been "deeply shocked and saddened by the news of his untimely death".

Describing Mr Philbin Bowman as "an extremely talented broadcaster and journalist", he said he had "entertained and challenged us all with his sharp wit and intellect, and brilliant debating skills".

"He will be greatly missed by his many friends in RTE," Mr Collins said.

Mr Philbin Bowman's body will be removed from his parents' home this afternoon to arrive at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Donnybrook, Dublin, at 5 p.m. There will be a liturgical service at the same church tomorrow at 11 a.m.

The funeral will take place afterwards at Glasnevin Crematorium.

Lorna Siggins writes: Galway's Claddagh region came to a standstill last night when hundreds of people attended the removal ceremony for the mother and two daughters who died after their car plunged off a pier in south Galway last weekend.

Chief mourners at the service for Mrs Catherine Palmer and her daughters, Jennifer (9) and Louisa (6), were Mr Roy Palmer, husband and father, and Mrs Palmer's parents, Mr John and Mrs Lily O'Sullivan, from Father Griffin Road in Galway. Mrs Palmer is also survived by four brothers and two sisters who attended the ceremony.