Gardaí are investigating after the body of a woman was discovered in unexplained circumstances in a suburb of Cork city on Friday evening.
Emergency services responded to reports at a property in Innishmore Park in Ballincollig shortly after 5pm.
The Cork-based mother, aged in her early 30s, is believed to have died a violent death. She has been named locally as Kelly Cremin.
Her body will be taken to the mortuary at Cork University Hospital for an autopsy, which is expected to take place on Saturday.
The results of the autopsy will determine the direction of the investigation.
The scene has been sealed off while a Garda forensic team carries out a technical examination of the house.
Gardaí said investigations are ongoing and that a family liaison officer has been assigned to support the family.
Flowers left at the scene. Picture: Larry Cummins
Flowers have been left at the scene by friends and neighbours. Kelly Cremin grew up in Innishmore estate and has relatives in the Ballincollig area still, according to locals.
The weekly Park Run in the local regional park was cancelled on Sunday morning as a mark of respect.
Locals were still in shock following the discovery, with some saying it brought to mind the rape and killing of 22-year-old beautician Rachel Kiely in October 2000. She was also from Innishmore.
Local priest Fr Ronan Sheehan said the death of a mother in such circumstances in the run up to Mother’s Day is particularly poignant. He said she will be remembered at weekend Masses in the parish, adding that she attended Mass herself in recent weeks.
Colm Kelleher, a Fianna Fáil councillor who lives in Ballincollig, said he heard sirens in the village after 5pm.
“I’m hearing very early reports of a suspected murder in the village this evening. I’m absolutely shocked.
“We’re not used to something like this in the village of Ballincollig.
“I’m hearing very early, preliminary reports and I hope they’re untrue. But if it does transpire to be correct, my thoughts and prayers go to the person and the family in question.
“If it does transpire to be true, it’s very sad and I appeal to anyone with any information to contact gardaí.”
A Garda cordon remains in place at a house at Innishmore Park, Ballincollig Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins
Local Joe Lynch, a Sinn Féin councillor who lives in Innishmore, said he spent the evening with residents near the scene.
Mr Lynch said the community had been left deeply shaken. “In the first instance, my thoughts go out to the victim and their family.
“This is a truly shocking incident, and it has caused major upset in what is a close, tight‑knit community.
“As a lifelong resident of the estate, I have spent the evening with friends and neighbours, and all I can say is that everyone here in Innishmore is shell‑shocked.”
A Garda cordon remains in place at a house at Innishmore Park, Ballincollig Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Anyone who was in the Innishmore area of Ballincollig between 3pm on Thursday, March 12, and 5.30pm on Friday, March 13, and who may have camera footage — including home security or dashcam recordings — is asked to provide it to investigating gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Togher Garda Station on 021 4947120, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.