Louth Community Mourns O’Connor Family After Tragedy
By ArdeePost Reporter
The people of County Louth are in deep mourning following the violent deaths of three members of the same family, who Gardaí have described as “good neighbours” and “an integral part of their local community.”
The people of County Louth are in deep mourning following the violent deaths of three members of the same family, who Gardaí have described as “good neighbours” and “an integral part of their local community.”
Mark O’Connor (54), his wife Louise O’Connor (56), and their son Evan (27), who had additional needs, were found dead in their home in Drumgowna, near Tallanstown, on Monday morning. Gardaí believe the family were violently attacked, though the use of a firearm has been ruled out.
Evan, who attended a day-care centre in Drogheda, was due to be collected by staff yesterday morning. When a carer called to the house, the alarm was raised after the devastating discovery.
Garda Investigation Underway
Superintendent Andrew Watters confirmed that a man in his 30s was arrested shortly after Gardaí arrived at the scene. He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act at a Garda station in Louth. Gardaí are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.
An incident room has been established at Ardee Garda Station, and post-mortem examinations on the three victims are expected to begin today at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.
“The O’Connors are a very well-known and respected family,” said Supt Watters. “They are good neighbours and an integral part of their local community in Drumgowna and the wider area of Louth and Monaghan. We are supporting the family as they come to terms with this tragedy and appealing for privacy at this difficult time.”
He added that the local community will also be supported by An Garda Síochána over the coming days.
Shockwaves Through County Louth
The deaths have left residents in shock. Fr Gerry Campbell, parish administrator for Louth, described the tragedy as “numbing.”
“It beggars belief. People don’t know what to say. The shock is still there, and I don’t think it has really hit home entirely. People are just devastated,” he said.
He explained that Mark and Louise were “totally devoted” to their son Evan and were regarded as a close-knit, loving family. Mark was well known locally as a runner, often spotted training around Stonetown and at the local GAA pitch.
Fr Campbell said the community is considering holding a vigil to support one another in grief and to remember the family.
“All we can do is really pray for all involved in this tragedy, living and deceased,” he said.
Taoiseach Expresses Sympathy
Taoiseach Micheál Martin extended his condolences to the O’Connor family and the wider Louth community.
“People are really shocked and saddened at what has transpired,” he said before Cabinet this morning. “I want to express my deepest sympathies to the family and community.”
Appeal for Information
Gardaí are continuing their investigation and have appealed to anyone with information to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.