A man and a woman found dead in a house in Clare have been named locally as Joe and Claire Collins. 

The married couple were found dead at their home in Killinaboy near Corofin around 2.30pm yesterday. 

Their bodies have been taken to University Hospital Limerick for postmortems and the house remains sealed off for a technical examination. 

It is understood Gardaí are treating the deaths as suspicious and the postmortems will determine the course of the investigation. 

A family liaison officer has been appointed and Gardaí are not seeking anyone else in connection with the deaths. 

'Tight-knit community' in Clare

Local councillor Joe Killeen said he knew the couple, who lived in a “tight-knit community” in north rural Clare.

“Most people would know a huge number of people within that area,” he said. 

“There’s a huge circle of friends, of relations, a huge circle of people who are upset today and are suffering the trauma of trying to digest the news of the tragedy. 

"There are still no answers and still no understanding of what is to unfold." 

'Harsh reality of a tragedy'

Parish priest Father Des Hillery said the local community are now left to “pick up the pieces” following the incident. 

“That’s the harsh reality of a tragedy,” he said. 

“Picking up the pieces is very much what a community like here will do. 

“It’s a terrible tragedy, everybody has a deep sense of loss, but also a deep sense of the good that’s in each person. 

“We never know what each day can bring but I know here in the parish that there’s a great sense of community and that community will support each and every one of us here.”