An appeal has been issued to find the family of an Irishman who died in England last month.
Birmingham City Council are trying to contact any relatives of the late John Joseph Gill, who had lived in Birmingham for many years.
Mr Gill is believed to have been born in Co Roscommon on 31 August 1936. He was in residential and nursing homes from January 2008. On 25 November, he died at Orchard House nursing home.
Ian Coxhead, of Birmingham City Council, said they have very little information about him and have put out an appeal on social media in a bid to trace family members.
Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, Mr Coxhead said: "We believe he was a brother to, maybe, eight other siblings, but apart from that we know very little.
"I was told recently that he had no children and was never married, so we're looking for his siblings and we're trying to ensure that we meet the last wishes of John, and his family, in respect of how his funeral is dealt with," Mr Coxhead said.
He said: "We've had a great deal of interest from people who want to assist and have looked for birth records and family information, but they haven't been able to come up with anything concrete," Mr Coxhead explained.
If no family members come forward, Mr Coxhead said Birmingham City Council will progress with funeral arrangements. But they would prefer if Mr Gill's family were involved in the arrangements.
"We're aware that Mr Gill wished to be buried, so we will carry out a burial within the Birmingham area," he said.
"My experience of dealing with Irish families, and the passing of Irish people, is that, generally, family like to be involved and have on occasion taken over the funeral arrangements from ourselves.
"Which, if that is their wish, we would gladly assist with," he said.
Birmingham City Council have engaged the services of a team of genealogists to try trace Mr Gill's family, but the work is taking quite a considerable period of time.
Mr Coxhead added that this is possibly the last opportunity to find any of Mr Gill's family members or relatives.
"If someone comes forward after that, we'll be able to say we made every effort possible and at least be able to tell them what arrangements were made for the funeral.
"It's exceptionally sad and, unfortunately, it's not an unusual story. People do lose contact with relatives through movement, decisions, and family make up and break up. But, sadly, we are unable to find family on some occasions," he said.
Birmingham City Council say that anyone with information can contact Julie.lodge@birmingham.gov.uk
