Investigation underway after body of woman discovered in Cork city 

LOCAL councillors have expressed their shock and sadness after a woman’s body was found in a house in a residential area of Cork city.

The discovery of the body, understood to be that of a woman in her late fifties, was made at a house near The Lough this afternoon by workers who then alerted the gardaí.

It is understood that the woman’s body may have remained undiscovered for a number of years. 

Gardaí, the fire service, the ambulance service and a doctor attended the scene at a house in Brookfield Lawn, a quiet residential area near The Lough, after the body was discovered. 

A garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí were alerted [to] the discovery of a woman’s body near the Lough in Cork city earlier this afternoon, Tuesday, May 21.” 

Formal identification has not yet taken place, and gardaí say a post-mortem examination, which will determine the course of an investigation, will take place in the coming days.

The Cork coroner has been notified.

However, it is understood that foul play is not suspected at this time.

Local Fianna Fáil councillor Fergal Dennehy said it was very sad to think that the woman might have remained undiscovered for a number of years.

“It’s heartbreaking to think of someone being alone like that for so long.

“It’s desperately sad, and my heart goes out to her family,” he said.

Mr Dennehy, who represents the Cork City South West ward, said that during the Covid-19 pandemic he had been part of the community response team, and he had been to meet so many people living in isolation.

“We have wonderful services there like Friendly Call, and Age Action Ireland, who work with people in the community, and with people who might have fallen outside of the local community, and it is very unfortunate when people do fall outside the community.

“I’m a community activist, and we do try as much as possible to reach out to everybody, but unfortunately sometimes people fall between the cracks,” he said.

Green Party councillor Colette Finn said the woman and her family were in her thoughts at a very sad time.

“It’s sad to think of anyone living in isolation, and it’s a reminder to us all, not in a judgemental way, but a reminder to maybe check in on neighbours.” 

Fine Gael councillor Shane O’Callaghan, who represents the neighbouring Cork City South Central ward, said it was a terrible tragedy and people in the area were very upset.

“It’s very shocking to hear, and we’re all thinking of the woman’s family at this time.”

EARLIER

An investigation is underway following the discovery of the body of a woman in Cork city. 

Emergency services attended the scene at a house near The Lough after the body, understood to be that of a woman in her 50s, was discovered. 

A garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí were alerted [to] the discovery of a woman’s body near the Lough in Cork city earlier this afternoon, Tuesday, May 21.”

Formal identification has not yet taken place. 

It is understood that the woman’s body may have remained undiscovered for a number of years.

Gardaí say a post-mortem examination, which will determine the course of an investigation, will take place in the coming days. 

The local coroner has been notified.

It is understood that foul play is not suspected at this time.