Floral tributes laid at scene of Louth tragedy

Shock and grief continue to reverberate through the mid-Louth community following the discovery of three bodies at a home in the Drumgowna/Annaghminnan area on Monday morning.

By Tuesday afternoon, floral tributes and handwritten notes had been placed along the Garda cordon near the house where two men and a woman, Mark and Louise O'Connor, who were in their 50s, and their son Evan, who was in his 20s and had additional needs, were found dead. 

Messages of sympathy left at the scene reflected the deep sadness felt locally, with neighbours and friends paying their respects to the family.

One read: “A terrible tragedy, may you all rest in everlasting peace.”

The rural area between Killanny and Louth Village has been left stunned by the violent deaths, with both local representatives and clubs of the public expressing their shock and extending condolences.

Gardaí continue to investigate the incident and have confirmed that a man in his 30s remains in custody.

Making an appeal for information outside Drogheda Garda Station this morning, Superintendent Andrew Watters said: “Shortly before 10am yesterday, Monday September 29, gardai received a call to attend a domestic residence at Drumgowna, Tallanstown, Co Louth.

“On arrival at the house, uniform Gardaí discovered Mark O’Connor (54), Louise O’Connor (56) and their son Evan O’Connor, (27) deceased.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.

“The O’Connor family are a very well-known and respected family. They are good neighbours and an integral part of their local community in Drumgowna and wider area of Louth and Monaghan.”

Superintendent Watters also said that a Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to support the O’Connor family and that An Garda Síochána will keep the family informed of the ongoing investigation and support them as they come to terms with this tragedy.

Superintendent Watters continued: I am appealing for privacy for the family at this time.

“An Garda Síochána will also closely support the local community in the Drumgowna area over the coming days as they come to terms with the violent death of their neighbours.

“Shortly after Gardaí arrived at the house yesterday morning, other responding Gardaí arrested a male (30s) nearby, in connection with this homicide incident. 

 “The male is currently detained at a Garda Station in the Louth area under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

“An Garda Síochána is today continuing an investigation into all of the circumstances of this family tragedy.

“The scene remains subject of an ongoing forensic examination by the Garda National Technical Bureau and Divisional Search Team.

“The Offices of the Coroner and the State Pathologist have been notified. Yesterday evening, the remains of the deceased were removed from the scene to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda and post-mortem examinations will commence today.

Read Next: North East Runners Dundalk pay tribute to Mark O'Connor

“An Incident Room has been established at Ardee Garda Station.

“A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to oversee this investigation.

“An Garda Síochána is not looking for any other person in connection with this homicide investigation.”

He concluded by appealing to any person with any information on this incident to contact the Garda Investigation Team by calling Drogheda Garda Station at 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Phone Number on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.