Charlie ‘Lachy’ Clarke, originally from the Rhebogue area, but who has been living in Dublin for many years

GARDAI are investigating if a Limerick pensioner – and a son of the “King of the Travellers” – was stabbed to death in an apartment in Dublin, his body put in a communal bin and then unknowingly taken away for incineration.

Charlie ‘Lachy’ Clarke, aged 67, originally from the Rhebogue area of Limerick city, has not been seen alive for around six weeks.

The Limerick family of Mr Clarke, who resided in the Liberties area of Dublin 8 for many years after moving from his native city, raised the alarm two weeks ago after they hadn’t heard from him and couldn’t contact him.

A garda spokesperson said in a statement issued on Tuesday, July 28: “Gardaí are investigating all of the circumstances around the disappearance of a male, aged in his 60s, who was reported missing from the Dublin 8 area, on Sunday, July 26, 2026.”

According to reports in the national media, garda detectives in Dublin are investigating if Mr Clarke was stabbed to death in an apartment.

Crime World reported on Sunday that detectives are working on the theory that Mr Clarke, who they fear was murdered a month ago, was placed in a communal bin at an apartment complex after he was killed.

“His remains may then have been incinerated, which is one of many obstacles faced by investigators,” reported Crime World.

Waste from the apartment complex at the centre of the investigation goes to a south Dublin recycling centre “for sorting” before being brought to the Poolbeg incinerator in Ringsend, Dublin for disposal, according to the media outlet.

Searches have been carried out at both locations by gardai with scenes of crime officers conducting a forensic and technical examination of an apartment to see if there is any evidence of a violent assault.

A man was arrested by gardai on Tuesday, July 28 in connection with the investigation into the missing pensioner who was reported missing from the Dublin 8 area on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

He was detained pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a garda station in the Dublin city area.

On the following day, Wednesday, July 29, a garda spokesperson said: “The male, aged in his 20s, arrested in relation to this investigation has been released without charge.

“A file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions. Investigations are ongoing.”

The man, aged in his 20s, and Mr Clarke are understood to be known to each other.

A senior investigating officer is overseeing the criminal investigation.

It is not known if gardai in Dublin have been in contact with colleagues in the Limerick Garda Division for any assistance.

Limerick Live has learned that Mr Clarke is a son of a Limerick man, now deceased, known as the “King of the Travellers” also called Charlie “The Great” Clarke.

Mr Clarke Snr died 12 years ago at the age of 81. He was fondly remembered as a “great character” and the “three card trick man”.

He annually wowed crowds at the Galway Races as well as festivals across Ireland with his card skills. Mr Clarke Snr was buried in a gold coffin on August 9, 2014.

It took dozens of men to take it in turns to carry his gold-plated casket carrying his remains from St Patrick’s Church, Dublin Road, to Mount St Oliver Cemetery.

Family members in Limerick have issued appeals on social media regarding Mr Clarke’s disappearance.

“We’ve police stations and hospitals rang – he isn’t in any. His family is very concerned about his whereabouts if anybody has seen or heard from him,” reads one post.

A second appeal said that Mr Clarke is always at everyone’s “beck and call”, with a love heart emoji.

“Someone has to know something. We’re still no further on – any information would be appreciated,” reads the post on social media.

One family member told the Leader: “Charlie had a heart of gold. He never left us out. He was ever so kind to everyone.”

A niece of Mr Clarke’s posted an emotional tribute to her uncle saying: “You didn’t deserve this my uncle Lachy.”

Anybody with any information is asked to contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.