DNA tests to tell if skull is Emmet's

03/08/2003 - 10:13:40
Twenty-first century methods were being used today to identify a 19th century skull claimed to be that of Robert Emmet.

The 200-year-old cranium lies in a grave near Tralee, Co Kerry, and exhumation and DNA tests will be necessary to confirm that it is that of Emmet, who was executed at the age of 25 by the British for his part in the rising of 1803.

Emmet was beheaded and his headless skeleton was later interred at Blennerville, County Kerry, where it was found in 1966.

Twenty years ago, a skull was uncovered in a box in the same graveyard during a clean-up operation, and taken to a local doctor, who said it was that of a young male – possibly Robert Emmet.

But no tests to confirm the theory were done then, and the two sets of remains were re-buried where they were discovered.

The DNA tests are to be performed with the co-operation of the executed patriot’s descendant, Philip Emmet, who said he would be happy to provide samples for testing.

He added: “I will help in any way I can. I am equally sceptical and hopeful.”