Gardaí are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a couple whose bodies were found at a house in Co Clare on Thursday afternoon.
The body of a man, aged in his 50s, was found outside the property in Killinaboy, about 3km north of Corofin, while the body of a woman, also in her 50s, was discovered in a bedroom in the house.
The couple have been named locally as Joe and Claire Collins. They are understood to have two adult children who were not at the house when their bodies were found.
The bodies have since been taken to the morgue at University Hospital Limerick where postmortem examinations are due to take place by Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster.
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The scene remains preserved for an examination by the Garda National Technical Bureau.
While the investigation is at an early stage, foul play has not been ruled out in the death of the woman. There was no obvious sign of violence or injury when her remains were discovered. Garda sources said the results of the postmortem on her remains would determine how she died.
In relation to the man’s death, gardaí do not believe foul play, or any third party involvement, was a factor. However, postmortem results are required to determine whether that line of inquiry would be sustained.
While gardaí were not seeking anyone else in relation to the deaths, sources stressed the inquiry was in its infancy. The deaths were being treated as a domestic incident, within a local family.
The Garda said in a statement it is investigating all the circumstances following the discovery.
Local Fianna Fáil Cllr Joe Killeen said: “There is a deep sense of bewilderment and sadness in the area at the heartbreaking news. The parish of Corofin and Kilnaboy … will come in support of the families of those who have been involved … There is profound shock in the area.”
On Thursday evening, two gardaí and a single patrol car were outside the property preserving the scene on a country road off the main Corofin to Kilfenora route.
Ennis-based Supt John Ryan said the scene was being preserved pending the arrival of the Garda Technical Bureau from Dublin who were expected to arrive later on Thursday night.
Emergency services were called to the scene at 2.30pm on Thursday and Supt Ryan said: “At the moment, we don’t know what happened and we are just waiting for a determination as to what exactly happened and we will be guided by the technical bureau.”
A family liaison officer has been appointed to the family of the deceased.
A senior investigating officer has been appointed and an incident room has been established at Ennis Garda station.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ennis Garda station on 065 684 8100 the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
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