Hourihane murder probe continues
A third person was arrested yesterday, Wednesday, as part of an ongoing investigation into the murder of homeless man Timothy Hourihane.
The woman in her 30s was arrested in Cork yesterday morning by gardaí investigating Mr Hourihane's death which occurred at Mardyke Walk in Cork city on 13 October 2019.
The woman was still being detained under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at the Bridewell Garda Station as of going to print yesterday. She could be held for up to 24 hours after being arrested.
The arrest came just days after Chief Superintendent Barry McPolin described the level of violence and the spate of murders in Cork city in the past six months as unprecedented and of a great concern.
His comments came during a Cork City Joint Policing Committee (JPC) meeting this week as he responded to some concerns JPC members had about people feeling scared about the recent violence across Cork city.
He said: “These incidents are of a very serious nature. We’ve had six deaths in the past six months or so and one very serious aggravated burglary recently on the northside of the city.”
He confirmed that none of the incidents were linked adding that they were “individual violent deaths”.
He also branded the spate of violence as an “unusual spike”.
Chief Superintendent McPolin also gave JPC members an update about some high profile murder investigations during the meeting.
He said he wanted to give this update to allay fears in the community and confirm that there were no crime gangs operating in Cork city.
One person has been arrested and charged in relation to the murder of toddler Santina Cawley last July. Two people have been arrested in connection to the murder of Paul Jones. One man has been arrested and a file will be prepared for the DPP into the unlawful killing of James Duncan.
In relation to the murder of Frankie Dunne, a senior team of detectives travelled to Romania recently and several statements were taken.
“I am happy to report that the investigation is progressing but we are not there yet and we are still seeking the public’s help with any information they have,” he added.
A person has also been charged for the murder of CIT student Cameron Blair.