Shock among Clare community after deaths of ‘popular’ couple

Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

There is widespread shock in a Co Clare community following the deaths of a popular couple.

The man and woman have been named locally as Joe and Claire Collins, both in their 50s.

Gardaí said they are continuing to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

A garda spokesman said on Friday night: "The post-mortems of both individuals have been completed. The results of these post-mortems will not be released for operational reasons.

The spokesman added: "Gardaí are not looking for any other individual in relation to this incident at this time."

Gardai said their focus is now on preparing a file for the coroner.

The couple were found dead at a residence in the village of Kilnaboy, near Corofin, at 2.30pm on Thursday.

Their bodies were removed from the scene and taken to the mortuary at University Hospital Limerick.

Post-mortem examinations were carried out on Friday by Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster.

Local Fianna Fáil councillor Joe Killeen said there was shock in the community that “something so tragic could happen on our doorstep”.

He described the Corofin area of north Clare – located close to the Burren National Park – as a quiet, tight-knit community.

“Huge sympathies to the families involved and the friends of all those involved as well,” Mr Killeen said.

“They are very popular and they have a wide circle of friends. Anybody in our area co-operates and tries to improve the community and improve life in general for everybody, whether young or old.

“All that interaction is encouraged and it leads to good community spirit.

“There’ve been lots of phone calls now of people questioning how they could co-operate and to help in an effort to try and support the families involved.

“And they will be supported through prayer and actions I think through the next hours and days and weeks into the future to try and get over the huge shock of what has happened.”

The scene remains preserved pending a technical examination.

An incident room has been established at Ennis Garda station and a family liaison officer has been appointed.

Gardaí have appealed to anyone who may have information to contact them.