Louth family were ‘good neighbours’ and ‘integral part’ of local community

Gardaí have said the tragic Louth family who were killed in a “violent incident” at their home were “good neighbours” and an “integral part” of their local community.

The victims have been named locally as Mark and Louise O’Connor, in their 50s, and their son Evan, who was in his 20s and had special needs. All three sustained fatal injuries during the suspected stabbing incident that happened in their country stone cottage in a rural area between the three small Co Louth villages of Stonestown, Louth Village, and Tallanstown.

A male known to them is suspected of killing them by fatally stabbing them. Emergency services responded to the scene on Monday morning but all three were pronounced dead.

It’s understood two bodies were discovered inside the property while a third body was discovered on the driveway. It is also understood all three sustained fatal stab wounds.

In an update on Tuesday morning, Superintendent Andrew Watters, Drogheda Garda Station appealed to the public for anyone with information to come forward. He said: “Shortly before 10am yesterday, Monday 29th September 2025 Gardaí received a call to attend at 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.

“A Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to support the O’Connor family. An Garda Síochána will keep the family informed of the ongoing investigation and support them as they come to terms with this tragedy. 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.”

He added: “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.

“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. I am 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.”

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