Body recovered in search for missing Cork woman

THE search for a missing West Cork woman has been stood down after a body was recovered by gardaí.

Maureen O’Connor (69) was reported missing from her home in Skehill, Glengarrif, Co Cork, on Wednesday, October 25.

A large-scale search operation was undertaken over the last week, with search helicopter, Rescue 115 deployed.

Gardaí, Cork West Civil Defence, the Search and Rescue Dog Association of Ireland, West Cork Underwater Search and Rescue and the several Coast Guard Units also participated.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána told The Echo: “Following the discovery of a body on Wednesday 1st November 2023, the missing person appeal for Maureen O’Connor has been stood down.

"An Garda Síochána would like to thank the media and the public for their assistance.” 

Castletownbere Coast Guard Unit shared a statement online last night, writing: “Castletownbere Coast Guard Unit resumed searching in Glengarriff today at 9 a.m.

“In very rough terrain and in conjunction with Goleen Coast Guard , Schull Coast Guard and Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery we conducted a detailed area search.

“At 11.35am, a crew member located items of clothing and subsequently our missing person, unfortunately the person was deceased.

“In a massive effort between Castletownbere, Goleen, Schull Coast Guard Units and Cork missing persons we recovered the body from the very challenging hillside.

“We are very proud of our units commitment for the duration of the search and extend our sincere gratitude for their effort and selflessness.

Special Thanks to An Garda Síochána, West Cork Underwater Search & Rescue, Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland), Cork West Civil Defence, Rescue 115, Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery, Schull and Goleen Coast Guard Units for all their help over the past few days.

“It was great to see so many State, voluntary and charitable bodies working side by side with great professionalism.

“Thank you also to neighbours and friends who were out helping with the search and for their invaluable insights which helped us considerably.” 

CCMPSAR shared a similar statement, adding: “It is a testament to all the units that were involved and it was great to see interagency cooperation and commitment from state, voluntary and charitable bodies working side by side with great professionalism bring this search to a conclusion.

“We wish to pass on our deepest condolences to Maureen’s family and friends at this very sad time, may she rest in peace.”