Gardaí in Co Cork are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man whose body was found at a house in Macroom.
Emergency services were called to the house at Annville on Barrett’s Place, close to the centre of the town, at around 1pm.
The man, who was 61, has been named locally as Michael Foley.
He was originally from Clonakilty in west Cork but had been living in Macroom for more than five years.
Mr Foley was a separated father of four daughters. He was predeceased by one of daughters.
It is understood that a number of marks were observed on his body, giving rise to concerns about the manner in which he died.
The scene was sealed off for a garda technical examination.
The body of 61-year old Michael Foley being removed this evening from his home at Annville, Barrett’s Place, #Macroom, County #Cork. Gardaí say a post mortem examination on his body will determine the course of their investigation into his death. @rtenews pic.twitter.com/2kgEoQEaSY
— Paschal Sheehy (@PaschalSheehy) February 6, 2024
The Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster spent around half an hour conducting a preliminary examination at the house this evening.
Mr Foley’s body was then removed to Cork University Hospital where Dr Bolster is expected to conduct a post-mortem examination tomorrow.
In a statement, gardaí said the results of the post-mortem examination are likely to dictate the direction of the investigation.
Gardaí have appealed to anyone with information to contact them at Macroom Garda Station.
Sister says death ‘absolutely devastating’
Mary O’Driscoll, a sister of Michael Foley, paid tribute to him and said he would be a terrible loss.
She said it was “absolutely devastating”.
She said she was hoping that Mr Foley had not been assaulted but information had emerged on social media that said he had been injured.
“It’s just all too hard to take in at once,” she said,
Mrs O’Driscoll said she hoped they would be able to get some answers tomorrow. She described losing her other brother Timmy, who was murdered, and how much of a loss it was to their family.
He said Michael had moved to Macroom and drew comfort from the fact that Timmy had lived there.
She said it was a grief that they’d never get over.
Ann Foley, who is also Michael’s sister, described him as a gentleman.
