A new-born baby found dead in a field beside a housing estate in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, before Christmas will be buried by the Mid Western Health Board today.
The unidentified baby, a boy, was removed from Limerick Regional Hospital to St Cronan's church, Roscrea, yesterday evening and will be buried in St Cronan's cemetery, Roscrea, after funeral Mass at noon. He will be buried under the name John.
A spokeman for the Mid-Western Health Board said December 23rd, the day of the baby's birth and death, gave rise to the name John because it is the feast of St John Kanty.
The funeral has been organised by the health board, which will be represented by Mr P.J. Cleary, director of nursing at Nenagh General Hospital; Sister Trinitas, acting matron of Nenagh General Hospital, and Sister Raphael, pastoral care worker.
Gardai have repeated their request to the mother of the baby to come forward. They have completed door-to-door inquiries in Roscrea but say the investigation is continuing.
They stress that if the mother comes forward she will be treated in a confidential manner and will be offered professional counselling and medical attention.
The baby's body was found in the field near the Cois Carrig housing estate before noon on December 23rd by children who use the field to play in.