Posted by Ian Bailey is to get his last request
– his ashes are to be spread in west Cork this weekend.
A private get together is being organised by his family and friends to say a dignified “goodbye” to the main suspect in the Sophie Toscan du Plantier murder, almost 18 months after his death. In the weeks before he died from a heart attack he made a 40-minute video tape from his hospital bed telling how he was totally innocent and that his life had been ruined by Sophie’s murder, 32 years ago That tape is now in the possession of an Irish TV producer and documentary maker and is expected to be screened publicly at some stage .The 67-year-old former journalist and poet was cremated within days of his sudden death outside his home in Bantry, Co Cork in January last year.
He collapsed from a massive heart attack as he walked down the street. He had suffered heart problems for the previous year and was too weak to undergo surgery.
His sister Kay did not want his funeral to be turned into a media circus so no one was allowed to attend his cremation in Cork city apart from the undertakers.This will now be done this weekend after the private farewell get together.
A source said: “Details of the event are being kept very quiet and it is a private affair.
“Ian wanted his ashes spread in west Cork so this is what will be happening.
“He may have been a suspect and in many ways an outcast because he was eccentric but there were a small number of people who had time for him and were always in contact.
“They never got the chance to pay their respects or say goodbye, but they will now.
“There will be pints, poetry, music and prayer.”
Jim Sheridan has made a new movie on the murder called Re-creation, starring Colin Meaney who plays Bailey and Aidan Gillen.
Yesterday, Gardai confirmed their review into Sophie’s murder despite Ian Bailey’s death is still continuing.
In a statement, Gardai said: “The Garda investigation into the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier in 1996 remains active and ongoing.
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