The family of a conservationist from Co Dublin who was killed while walking his dogs, has described his death as "heartbreaking" and appealed for the public’s help in bringing his killer to justice.
An inquest into the death of Michael McCoy, from Ballinascorney Upper, Brittas, heard he died from blunt force trauma to the head and face.
Gardaí told Dublin Coroner’s Court that despite two arrests and 102 statements, the Director of Public Prosecutions has adjudged there to be insufficient evidence to bring charges.
Giving evidence Mr McCoy’s wife, Catriona, described him as a "very compassionate caring person" who was interested in "local issues and planning issues".
The court heard the 63-year-old’s body was found at Blackhill Forest in September 2016.
It is believed he had left the house to walk his dogs, one of whom remained at his side until his remains were located.
Catriona McCoy said she last saw her husband alive on the morning of 29 September 2016. When she returned to the house later that evening she was suspicious as he was not there and the family’s hens had not been let out of their coop.
Mr McCoy’s car was found parked in the car park of nearby Blackhill Forest in which she said he would occasionally walk his dogs.
A subsequent search was undertaken by gardaí and members of the Glenn of Imeall mountain rescue team.
Rescuer, Brendan Beirne, described driving along a track in the forest and seeing the eyes of a dog in his headlights.
"I saw a man’s boots and a dog at the feet of the body," he told the court.
"You could tell the dog was distressed. It cowered when we approached."
Mr Beirne described how Michael McCoy was lying on his back.
"His hands were on his chest. He was very white in colour".
'We really need answers', family appeal for help over conservationist's death | https://t.co/VXsWZGoOAh pic.twitter.com/eqZP48SO2P
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An initial medical assessment suggested Michael McCoy had suffered a fall, however a subsequent post-mortem examination determined he had been the victim of blunt force trauma to the head and face.
The 63-year-old had significant injuries including complex factors to the skull and facial bones consistent with blows from a solid, blunt object, the autopsy found.
Detective Inspector John Walshe gave evidence that gardaí believed there was third party involvement in the father-of-three’s death and a substantial file was submitted to the DPP.
He added that the investigation remained open.
Speaking outside court, the McCoy family renewed its appeal for the public’s help with the Garda investigation.
"This is a heartbreaking day for the whole family. We really need answers at this stage," Michael’s daughter, Rachael said.
His wife Catriona added, "We are still holding out hope that somebody will come forward to bring us some closure. We miss him very much".
Coroner Myra Cullinane sympathised with the family and said it was a very distressing day. She said Michael McCoy was a highly respected man in the areas in which he had an interest.
The jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing by persons unknown.
