THE family of Mrs Philomena Gillane intends to have her body exhumed from a cemetery near Gort, Co Galway and brought to Caltra for reburial beside her father.
Confirming this yesterday her mother, Mrs Noaie Gordon, said she had completed the necessary documentation but it had yet to be forwarded to the relevant authorities. It is almost two years since the body of Mrs Gillane was found in the boot of her car at Athlone Railway Station. She was seven months pregnant and had been shot in the back and stabbed.
The forms seeking exhumation would be forwarded to Galway County Council and the Western Health Board Mrs Gordon said. "They have been signed by Phil's brothers Paddy and Martin, and by her sisters, Bridie and Mary, and myself. We intend going through with this. We'll do our best to have her brought back."
Mrs Gillane was buried in Kilmacduagh cemetery, a few miles from Gort, where she was due to move into a new home with her husband, Mr Pat Gillane, and their son John, who is now aged three and ink foster care. She is buried beside Mr Gillane's parents.
Mrs Gordon admitted they would have to get the consent of Mr Gillane.
It would be a great comfort "if Philomena was buried near to the family home at Caltra".
Since her death, relations between the Gordon and Gillane families have soured, a court in Galway was told last week.