Gardaí identify Wicklow remains

Gardaí have confirmed the identify of the skeletal remains discovered in the Dublin mountains as missing man James Kenny McDonagh.

The 28-year-old from Dublin was last seen in late October 2010.

His car was found abandoned at Peamont Hospital in Newcastle, Co Dublin, shortly afterwards and there was been no trace of him until now, despite an extensive search.

Gardaí were working on the assumption that he was abducted and killed by a west Dublin gang. The cause of his death has not yet been identified.

They are appealing for anyone with information to contact them at Kilmainham Garda Station on 01-666 9700, the Garda Confidential Line 1-800-666-111 or any Garda Station.

The remains were discovered by two hillwalkers on Sunday morning at Slieve na mBan Óg mountain, about 14km from Tallaght.

It seems the remains, which were scattered over a wide area, were disturbed by an uprooted tree, which may have been unearthed by recent high winds.

The body was taken to the City Morgue in Marino, Dublin, for further examination. Both the State Pathologist Prof Marie Cassidy and the Garda Technical Bureau were involved in the investigation.