Man (60s) found dead in Co Donegal home named locally

Stephen Maguire

A man found dead in his home in Co Donegal yesterday has been named locally as Eddie Friel.

Mr Friel, who was in his 60s, lived alone in a bungalow on the Harbour View Drive estate in the fishing town of Killybegs.

His body was found at the quiet estate at approximately 12.20pm on Sunday.

Garda forensic officers arrived on the scene after 8pm last night and began a thorough investigation of the scene.

Local uniformed gardaí also began door-to-door enquiries with neighbours to build up a picture of the moments before the discovery of Mr Friel's body.

Locals on the quiet estate were shocked by the death of a man who had lived on the estate for a number of years.

Local garda sources have suggested the man may have died as the result of a violent incident.

The local Coroner has been notified, and a post-mortem examination by the State Pathologist will be arranged. The results of the post-mortem examination will determine the course of the investigation.

Killybegs resident and Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Niamh Kennedy said such an incident is "not the norm" in the town of Killybegs.

She said: "People are just shocked that somebody has been found dead in these circumstances. It is certainly not the norm in Killybegs.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this man. They are a very well-known family in the area.

"Harbour View is normally a quiet estate and this has just shocked people."

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and those with information to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballyshannon Garda Station on 071 9858530, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.