THE THREE PEOPLE found dead in a house in a County Louth village today have been named as parents Louise Doherty O’Connor and Mark O’Connor, and their 27-year-old son Evan O’Connor.
A man in his 30s is currently in garda custody after being arrested near the scene in Drumgowna, Tallanstown, this morning. Gardaí have issued an appeal for anyone with information to contact them, but it’s understood they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the violent incident.
The tragic discovery was made after gardaí were called to the family home just before 10am to respond to what is understood to have been a stabbing.
Speaking earlier today, local councillor John Sheridan said the family was very well known and respected.
They were particularly engaged in sports and running events in the area, he noted.
“They would have been very much seen a lot and that’s probably what makes it all the more shocking,” he said.
Mark and Louise had celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary last month. In a social media post marking the milestone the previous year, Mark wrote “happy anniversary to the love of my life”.
Mark (55) was a regional manager for the National Advocacy Service which provides support for people with disabilities.
He had appeared before Oireachtas Committees multiple times to inform politicians on disability issues and to advocate for the rights of disabled children and the need for awareness and supports in education settings.
He was previously the Community Engagement Manager of Inclusion Ireland, and he had campaigned on human rights issues such as the seclusion of disabled students in schools and assisted decision-making.
On his social media profiles, Mark posted about marking World Autism Day with his son Evan.
Louise (56) was a qualified nurse, who taught English to Ukrainian people living in Ireland. She also volunteered in pet rescue centres.
Louise Doherty O’Connor
She had ambitions to volunteer abroad for her 60th birthday, which she posted about online.
Evan O’Connor, their son, had attended the Drogheda ABACAS school which delivers specialist autism education for children with complex needs aged between 3 and 18. He graduated from the school in 2016, and went on to win an award for his work in the local community.
In a statement this evening, gardaí confirmed the deaths of a man and woman in their 50s and a man in his 20s. They said the offices of the coroner and state pathologist had been notified, and that the remains of the three adults had been removed from the scene to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.
Post-mortem exams will be conducted at the hospital tomorrow.
An incident room has been set up at Ardee Garda Station with a senior investigating officer in charge.
A family liaison officer has also been appointed “to support and keep the family of the deceased informed”, according to gardaí.
-With reporting from Diarmuid Pepper and Niall O’Connor
