A murder investigation has been launched following the suspicious death of an 89-year-old grandmother.
The deceased, named locally as Josephine (Joan) Ray, was discovered at her home in St Joseph’s Park, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, on Sunday afternoon.
The woman, originally from Carney in north Tipperary, was pronounced dead at the scene, and her body was taken to University Hospital Limerick. Following a postmortem examination carried out yesterday, gardaí are investigating whether Ms. Ray was strangled.
Officers are also examining whether she was killed by a person known to her. The news of Ms Ray’s death has been met with considerable shock from locals in Nenagh who arrived at her home yesterday to lay flowers.
A neighbor wrote on social media that the old-age pensioner had a "heart of gold."
"I would like to pay tribute to my good friend the late Joan Ray who passed away a couple of days ago," he said.
"I have known Joan for many years as I used to frequent her house on a regular basis. Joan always welcomed me with open arms into her home. She would always greet me with a smile and a cup of tea."
He also said that "the last time I spoke to Joan it was her birthday."
He added: "That particular day Joan was feeling a bit down. To cheer her up I told her I would drop her up a birthday card.
"You should have seen her face light up. It really made my day to see her happy.
"Many a time I would meet Joan in town and would link her home to St Joseph’s Park as her sight declined with age. Despite this Joan would always ask how I was doing after my stroke. She had a heart of gold and I will dearly miss her and so will her many friends in St Joseph’s Park and beyond. Rest in peace my dear friend."
Independent local councillor Séamus Morris told the Irish Daily Mail that despite living in Nenagh for many years, Ms. Ray was affectionately known as "the Carney blonde."
"If everyone in the world was like Joan it would be a better place," he said.
"She was a fashionista who loved to dress up and play an active role in her community.
"Everybody in Nenagh knew her, particularly in St Joseph’s Park where she lived. I don’t know the circumstances around her death, but the reports are very concerning."
He added: "Joan had children and grandchildren who all spent a great deal of time with her. My thoughts and prayers go out to them."
Local councillor Louise Morgan Walsh described Ms. Ray as a "very friendly and gentle person."
"We’re all shocked and saddened by this tragic event and my heart goes out to her loved ones," she said.
"I grew up around the corner from her and would have seen her all my life. I remember her fondly during St Patrick’s weekend earlier this year.
"There was a music festival by the courthouse and she was on the floor dancing with her daughter. She just loved attending all those festivals and was full of life."
Local Fianna Fáil councillor Ryan O’Meara added that Ms. Ray was everything Nenagh town represented.
"Everyone here knew and thought the world of this lady, which is why her death has been met with complete shock," he said.
"My thoughts are with her many family and friends during this very sad time."
A Garda spokesman said they went to Ms Ray’s home upon being alerted shortly after midday on Sunday, adding: "The woman, aged in her 80s, was pronounced deceased at the scene, and her body was removed to University Hospital Limerick.
"The scene was preserved for technical examination by the Garda National Technical Bureau, and the coroner was notified. A post-mortem examination was completed by the State pathologist yesterday, Monday, August 5."
The spokesman added that the results of the postmortem examination are not being released for operational reasons.
A senior investigating officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the inquiry, and an incident room has been established at Nenagh Garda Station. A Garda family liaison officer (FLO) has also been assigned to support the family of the deceased woman.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward, particularly those who were in the St Joseph’s Park area of Nenagh between 8 pm on Saturday last and midday on Sunday.
People with video recordings, including motorists with dash-cams, from the area within the timeframe are asked to provide footage to gardaí. Anyone with information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station at 067 50450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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