‘Kind Paula has gained her wings’

Gardaí in Mallow are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder of a woman in her 30s.

Named locally as Paula Canty, 31, the mum of two was found unresponsive at an apartment on Bridewell Lane in Mallow last Friday.

It is understood gardaí upgraded the investigation to murder following the results of an autopsy.

A man aged in his 40s was arrested on Tuesday in relation to Ms Canty’s death. The man is being detained at a garda station in the southern region.

Originally from Kinsale, it is understood that Ms Canty had moved Mallow in recent months.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced for Ms Canty.

Ms Canty’s mum, Sinead, has set up memorial fund in her daughter’s name, with all money raised going to Cork homeless support charity, Street Angels. “I have set up a memorial fund in honour of my beautiful daughter Paula Canty who was taken tragically from us.”

She continued: “Our beautiful, kind Paula has gained her wings this week. She was taken from us way too soon in a sudden and tragic way without any goodbyes.

“Paula was looking forward to a fresh, bright new year start with her loving family and with her good friends,” she added.

“The community, our family, relatives, neighbours, and a large circle of friends are just heartbroken.”

To make a donation, visit gofundme.com and search for ‘Paula Canty Memorial Fund’.

Paula Canty, who would have turned 32 this week, leaves behind two young daughters, Alyisha and Aoibhe; siblings Darragh, Donna, Latoya, David, and Rianna; and her mother Sinead.

Garda update

A man, aged in his 40s, who was arrested in relation to this investigation has been charged. He is expected to appear before Midleton District Court at 11am this morning, Thursday 9 January.

Investigations are ongoing.