Neighbours have described the shocking moment a man was found dead at a sheltered housing complex in County Cork yesterday.
It is expected a murder investigation will be launched after 61-year-old Michael Foley was found dead at Barrett’s Place in Macroom yesterday afternoon.
It is understood he suffered injuries consistent with an assault.
His body has been removed to the morgue at Cork University Hospital where a post-mortem will be carried out today.
Meanwhile, Gardaí are carrying out door-to-door inquiries in the town and investigators are examining CCTV footage from the complex.
The scene at Barrett’s Place Macroom. Image: Jamie O'Hara/NewstalkMr Foley’s neighbour Tim Horgan was there when his body was discovered yesterday.
“I went up and knocked at the door; there was no reply and the curtains were closed,” he said.
“I thought that was unusual because he would never have the curtains closed.
“I was walking back down and I met a keyworker coming up then herself and I said I hadn’t seen him for about three or four days.
“She put her hand on the handle and went in and asked me to wait there, so I stayed outside and when she ran out, she was in shock.”
He said two Gardaí arrived shortly later and then, within five minutes, there were “gardaí all over the place”.
Tragedy
It is the second tragedy to befall Mr Foley’s family in recent years.
His brother Timmy was stabbed to death in the town in 2018.
His ex-wife was later convicted of the murder and was handed a mandatory life sentence
'Stuck to himself'
Local man Denis Healy told Newstalk he knew Mr Foley – adding that it is a tragic time for his family.
“His brother was living just a couple of hundred yards down from here and unfortunately, he had a tragic death as well,” he said.
“It is sad for the family – very sad.
“He was a man that kind of stuck to himself, he came and he went and if he needed anything, he would ask you.
“He was new to this area; I suppose he was here maybe about nine months.”
Gardaí are urging anyone with any information that can assist their investigation to contact them.
Reporting from Jamie O'Hara in Macroom.
