A man who was found dead in Cork earlier this week may have known his killer and given them access to his home.

A murder investigation is underway following the death of Michael Foley in Macroom on Tuesday.

The body of the 61-year-old was found at at a property near a sheltered housing complex.

He was discovered by his care worker who went to check on him following concerns for his welfare.

Irish Independent Southern Correspondent Ralph Riegel told Newstalk Breakfast Mr Foley suffered a number of injuries.

"We understand that Mr Foley had suffered two types of injuries: one were blunt-force trauma injuries to his head and neck area, but we also understand that he had been stabbed a couple of times," he said.

"One of the things that Gardaí are particularly afraid of is that he actually knew his killer or killers.

"There was no sign of forced entry at his property, there was no damage to the doors or windows, and it doesn't appear that it was burglary or a robbery.

"So, certainly all the indications are that Mr Foley knew his killer or killers and inadvertently allow them access to his home".

The scene at Barrett’s Place Macroom. Image: Jamie O'Hara/Newstalk

Mr Riegel said this is the second murder the Foley family is dealing with.

"In October 2018 Michael Foley's younger brother, Timmy, was found with fatal stab injuries at a property not very far away from Michael Foley's body was found in Macroom," he said.

"His ex-wife Rita was later charged with his murder.

"She was convicted before the Central Criminal Court, and in January 2022 she lost her challenge to that murder conviction," he added.

Gardaí are urging anyone with any information that can assist their investigation to contact them.

Main image: Gardaí at the scene at Barrett’s Place in Macroom. Image: Jamie O'Hara/Newstalk