By Patrick Flynn

Gardaí have confirmed that remains found in Galway Bay last week are those of a missing Limerick woman.

35-year-old Maria Hennigar was reported missing on November 22 although she had not been seen since early November.

Family and friends of Ms Hennigar had been searching large areas of north Clare despite having no indication where Maria was or if she was actually missing.

Hundreds of people joined the searches which also involved the Irish Coast Guard, Clare Civil Defence and Gardaí.

On November 29, part of a body was discovered in the sea near Kilcolgan Co Galway.

Maria’s family was informed of the discovery and DNA samples were taken from family members so they be could compared to those taken from the body.

Gardaí have confirmed the badly decomposed remains discovered in Galway are those of Maria Hennigar.

Maria’s family was informed of the news last night.