A woman found dead at her home in Kerry has been described as a “loving mother” who was “extremely caring” and worked hard to provide for her child.
Gardaí suspect that 43-year-old, Jamey Carney, died violently in her own home in Killarney.
A family member found the woman unresponsive in a bedroom on Tuesday afternoon and alerted emergency services.
Blood was found at the scene.
Emergency services rushed to the Kerry home, but the woman was pronounced dead when they arrived.
She was born in the US but had lived in Killarney since about 2021. She had suffered a bereavement in recent months with the death of her father.
Gardai at the scene of Homeland Estate, Muckross Road, Killarney, on Tuesday. Picture: Don MacMonagle
Locals said that she was well-liked. She was described as very hard-working and a devoted mother.
Her body was found in her house in Homeland, a small housing development on the Muckross Road in the Kerry town.
The scene was preserved on Tuesday for technical examination.
The State pathologist has been notified, and an autopsy is due to take place in University Hospital Kerry.
Gardaí said that the results of the autopsy will determine the course of the investigation. But it is expected that a murder investigation will take place.
Gardaí began door-to-door enquiries on Tuesday.
A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation, and an incident room has been established at Killarney Garda Station.
Independent councillor Martin Grady said that a black cloud now hangs over Killarney following the woman’s death.
“It’s an awful shock to the local community,” Mr Grady said.
“I encourage anyone to come forward with any information they may have to An Garda Síochána. No matter what it is, please come forward to An Garda Siochana with any information, any CCTV, any dashcam footage from the area.”
Kerry Independent Alliance councillor John O’Donoghue said that a heavy garda presence was in place around the home where the woman’s body was found on Tuesday.
“It’s a terrible tragedy,” Mr O’Donoghue said.
“I know the estate where she lived. It’s a lovely area.”
Both local councillors offered their condolences to the woman’s family and friends.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Anyone who was in the Muckross Road area of Killarney between Monday evening and Tuesday afternoon 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 Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
Investigations are ongoing, gardaí said.