Murder probe launched
Gardaí last night confirmed that they have commenced a murder investigation following the death of 61 year old Michael Foley at his home in Macroom on Tuesday.
A post-mortem was completed yesterday evening by State Pathologist, Dr Margot Bolster at Cork University Hospital. "The results of the post-mortem are not being released for operational reasons," a garda spokesperson said.
The investigation is being led by a senior investigating officer (SIO) and a garda family liaison officer (FLO) has been appointed to liaise with the family of the deceased. Examinations of the scene remain ongoing.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have recently spoke to Michael to come forward to them.
Any person with any information that can assist Gardaí with this investigation are asked to contact Macroom Garda Station on 026-20590, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111, or any garda station.
'You will never get over grief'
The sister of a man who was found dead in Macroom on Tuesday has said the family are going to support one another and take each day as it comes.
The body of Michael Foley was found on Tuesday at 1pm near the centre of Macroom town at his home, a sheltered housing complex at Barrett's Place.
This is not the first time tragedy has struck the family. In October 2018, Michael Foley's brother, Timmy, died after being stabbed.
In October 2020, Timmy’s former wife Rita O'Driscoll was found guilty of his murder.
Speaking with RTÉ News on Tuesday evening, his sister Mary O’Driscoll said it is a “terrible loss”.
She said: “We are just going to have to take each day as it comes. Grief is something that you will never get over. We are still in grief over our brother (Timmy). Grief is just like a living disability if you like.
“You will never get over grief. Some people cope in all different ways but all we can do is stick together and support one another. That’s what we had been doing.”
We are still not over our bother’s (Timmy’s) death. For this now to come around a second time is just devastating.”
Mary told RTÉ News: “Michael was always a chatty guy, always phoning up, always coming back to visit in Clonakilty. It’s just devastating, absolutely devastating…the not knowing and the waiting.”
She added: “I’m hoping, hoping with all my heart that, he wasn’t assaulted or anything like that because I know Michael had a heart condition. This is what we thought had happened. But then (it’s on social media) that he was injured, that he had visible injuries to his body and face. It’s just all too hard to take in at once to be quite honest with you.”
Speaking to the Cork Independent, Macroom Cllr Eileen Lynch (FG) described Mr Foley’s death an “incredibly tragic” event that has left the entire community reeling.
“The whole community is in shock. It's an incredibly rare occurrence for something like this to happen in Macroom, people are just in shock as to what has actually happened and where it was as well,” said Cllr Lynch.
“The sheltered accommodation is in a really quiet part of town, there's never any hassle,” she added.
Referring to Mr Foley’s brother Timmy’s murder in Macroom in 2018, Cllr Lynch said: “It's brought back a lot of that to the community.
“The passing of his brother in 2018 was incredibly tragic also, it was a domestic event, but as to what happened yesterday, people are still reeling.
“I'd like to pass on my condolences to his family.”
Local TD Aindrias Moynihan said: “It’s a terrible situation. Locals are really shocked at what’s happened to him and the tragedy for the family. My thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”
Gardaí are continuing their investigations into Mr Foley’s death and have appealed to anyone with information to contact Macroom Garda station on 026-20590, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111, or any garda station.