Foul play ruled out in knife death

GARDAÍ have closed the investigation into the death of a man found lying in his home with a butcher’s knife embedded in his chest.

James McNamara, aged 57, was found in his home at Parks Road, Lismore, Co Waterford, on Tuesday.

While gardaí have not given the result of the post-mortem examination by Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster at Cork University Hospital, Inspector Tom O’Grady confirmed that their investigation was complete.

“We will not be commenting publicly on the findings of the post mortem, but ... we have now completely ruled out foul play,’’ he said yesterday.

Insp O’Grady said the death of an extremely popular and respected member of the community was a “great personal tragedy’’ for the McNamara family.

“Jim McNamara was held in the highest of esteem by everyone both in Lismore and his home town of Tallow,’’ Insp O’Grady said. “He was an exemplary husband and father, and the circumstances of his untimely death are an absolute tragedy.”

Friends and neighbours are still striving to come to terms with the tragedy.

“We have all been left in a state of shock, but now our total support must go to Jim’s wife Catherine who has been left to cope with her huge personal loss,’’ said one neighbour.

Ms McNamara made the gruesome discovery on Tuesday morning when she found her husband lying on his back on the upstairs landing of their semi-detached home. The knife was embedded deeply in his chest and though medical assistance was on hand within minutes Mr McNamara was pronounced dead.