Body found of Irishman missing for 33 years
A BODY buried in Wales has been confirmed to be that of an Irishman who went missing almost 33 years ago.
The family of Brendan Dowley has been told DNA analysis has proved a “one in a billion” match with the unidentified remains.
The father of four was 63 when he was last seen boarding a bus in Kilkenny on October 17, 1985, for onward travel by ferry to Britain.
His body washed up on the Welsh coast three weeks later and due to the limited nature of forensics was buried unidentified.
News that a DNA match had been made was given to his son Alan Dowley who broke the news to his 97-year-old mother.
More than 600 unidentified bodies lie in UK cemeteries and morgues and gardai are taking DNA from missing persons’ families in Operation Runabay.
Son Alan said: “I am glad we have had a positive result. It provides closure for our family.
“An inquest will be held in Wales, and we can make arrangements.”
Last December, the body of Pauline Finlay was exhumed in Wales and repatriated after DNA confirmed her identity.
She vanished in 1994 while walking her dogs on a Co Wexford beach.