Philomena Hernon, a widow and mother of three adult children, was the sister of former Fianna Fáil MEP Sean O’Neachtain
Sources said examinations are being carried out to determine whether the woman, named locally as Philomena Hernon, died as a result of a fall or whether there may be an alternative explanation for her death.
Ms Hernon, a widow and mother of three adult children, was the sister of former Fianna Fáil MEP Sean O’Neachtain.
She was discovered dead in the family home in Saile Chuanna, Spiddal by a man known to her at 5.30pm on Friday.
Philomena Hernon
News in 90 Seconds – Sunday, November 9th
He alerted the emergency services who were despatched to the scene.
Ms. Hernon was pronounced deceased in the house and the man was arrested at the scene.
It is understood he was not arrested over her death but it is alleged direct threats to kill were made to emergency services who attended the property.
While a cause of death has not yet been established Ms Hernon suffered an injury consistent with a fall from a height.
She was discovered in the hallway of her home close to the bottom of the stairs and below an internal balcony.
Gardaí at the house of Philomena Hernon
Gardaí are keen to establish when Ms Hernon suffered her injuries and how long it took for emergency services to be called.
They are also attempting to establish the movements of an individual who was in the property and may have left to run an errand and then returned.
The arrested man, aged in his 40s, remained in Garda custody last night.
It is understood his arrest came after it was alleged he responded aggressively to the news Ms Hernon had died.
When gardaí arrived at the property the suspect had to be restrained (Tasered) as he was in a high state of agitation. It is understood he told gardaí he believed she fell down the stairs.
Gardaí said they are investigating “all the circumstances” surrounding the discovery of the woman’s body.
A post-mortem examination will be carried out to determine the exact cause of death, while Garda technical experts are to carry out a forensic examination of the property as part of the investigation process.
“Inquiries are ongoing and no further information is available at this time,” a Garda spokes-person added
Philomena was predeceased by her husband Michael in June 2021. The couple have three children.
Ms Hernon, worked as a Special Needs Assistant at Scoil Iognáid, known locally as ‘The Jes’, in Galway city.
She was known as a dedicated and popular member of the school community.
A local said news of the well-liked Ms. Hernon’s death had caused shock and deep upset in the town.
“Hopefully, the Gardaí can get to the bottom of what happened sooner rather than later,” a local told the Sunday World yesterday.
“She was a lovely woman and very well liked in the area.”
Other neighbours spoke of their shock and sadness at the news of Ms Hernon’s death.
“She was a lady. We are living beside her for 25 years and you couldn’t wish for a better neighbour. She is a lovely, lovely woman and it is just so shocking and unreal to think she is gone.
“We are heartbroken for her children she is very close to her beautiful daughter, and I can’t imagine what they are going through.
She has a son in America and her daughter and other son live locally.
“She was a quiet lady but a lovely gentle soul. She wouldn’t harm a fly.”