Yveta Donovalova (44) was described locally as a very hard-working woman and a good neighbour.
She was discovered with critical injuries at a property in Grange Heights in Waterford city on Monday evening.
Gardaí fear she was the victim of a brutal and prolonged assault.
Paramedics and gardaí were called to the residential property at approximately 6:15pm.
Ms Donovalova was found with multiple injuries at the scene.
It is understood she was initially able to communicate with emergency services but quickly became unresponsive.
She was rushed to University Hospital Waterford (UHW) where, despite desperate efforts to stabilise her condition, she was pronounced deceased a short time later.
A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene.
It is understood he was known to the deceased woman.
Yveta Donovalova (44)
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Tuesday, April 28
The man is currently detained at a garda station in the Waterford division under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
He can be detained for questioning for up to 24 hours though this can be extended by food, medical and rest breaks.
The man is not an Irish national.
Gardaí confirmed that the Office of the State Pathologist has been notified and a post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course at Waterford morgue.
A garda spokesperson said they are investigating the circumstances of the fatal incident.
“The scene is currently preserved for technical examination,” a spokesperson said.
“A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation. An incident room has been established at Waterford Garda station.”
“A Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to support the family of the deceased.”
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to come forward.
“Anyone who was in the Grange Heights area on Monday (April 27) 2026 between 6pm and 6:30pm who may have camera footage, including CCTV or dashcam, is asked to provide this footage to investigating Gardaí.”
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Waterford Garda Station on (051) 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666111 or any Garda station. Investigations are ongoing.”
Ms Donovalova was originally from Czechia but is believed to have moved to Ireland over 18 years ago.
She had worked in Waterford for a number of years.
Neighbours said she was a very pleasant woman who supported musical events and charities in Waterford including the Red Cross.
Locals said she resided at the Grange Heights property with a number of teenage children.
It is understood the alarm was raised by concerned neighbours.
The indications are that the deceased suffered multiple injuries including suspected stab wounds after she was attacked at the property.
It is feared she was the victim of prolonged and brutal assault.
The property was immediately sealed off by Gardaí and a full forensic examination will be conducted by members of the Garda Technical Bureau.
Councillor Declan Barry said the entire local community was in shock.
“It is such a tragic and sad happening,” he said.
“I have been living for 30 years on the Dunmore Road and Grange Heights is one of the quietest places.”
Councillor Barry said the thoughts of everyone in the community are with her family.