Body of man found in back garden under turf, pallets and plastic sheet

Michal Rejmer (38), originally from Poland, was found by a friend yesterday beneath a plastic sheet, two wooden pallets and bags of turf in The Pines, Briarfield, Castletroy, Limerick.

The man who made the grisly discovery had been part of a search party who had been looking for the respected athlete.

When he discovered the remains shortly after 11am, he immediately contacted gardai.

Suspicious

Officers said last night that they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery and added that they are treating the death as suspicious.

It is understood that Mr Rejmer, a McDonald's employee, had lived at the property in the quiet Limerick estate for several years.

He had shared the home with his ex-partner who is thought to be involved with the other man who shares the house.

According to investigators, the man and woman who live at the property are helping gardai with their inquiries. No arrests have been made.

Officers at Henry Street Garda Station received an official report of Mr Rejmer's disappearance on January 6.

However, he had not been seen since December 30. His employer raised the alarm when he did not show up for work the following day.

It is believed he asked his manager at the McDonald's restaurant in Castletroy if he could leave early on December 30. His housemates said he never returned home.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place today.

Speaking to the Herald, Mr Rejmer's close friend Agnieszka Kanios said she had seen him the day before he went missing and he appeared to be in good spirits.

"He called to our house on December 28 and 29 and he was in a good mood," she said. "We invited him over to get his Christmas present, but he left without it. It's still here waiting for him.

"The first we knew that he was missing was when two of his co-workers from McDonald's came and asked if we had seen him.

"His housemates said they hadn't seen him either. I just really hope they find out what happened to him.

"He was such a nice and lovable person. He was so quiet."

Mr Rejmer was an athlete who competed with Dooneen Athletic Club and was well-known for the distinctive bandana he wore during races.

Club chairman Paul Askins said Mr Rejmer was extremely fit and one of their best competitors who regularly ran marathons and road races.

"He was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He has been with the club here for around five or six years," he said.

"He was extremely fit and a competent runner who completed the Dublin Marathon in just over two hours and 40 minutes last year.

Smiling

"Michal was always smiling and willing to give anyone a hand. It's a tragedy - he was taken much too soon."

Supt Derek Smart from Henry Street Garda Station said officers were carrying out house-to-house inquiries.

"We have begun house-to-house inquiries in the area of Briarfield and I'm appealing for anybody who may have been in the area from December 30 to come forward if they have seen or heard anything suspicious, or if they are aware of any information whatsoever which led to this person being found at the rear of the garden," he said.

"During our search of that house, the body of a male has been discovered in the back yard."