Gardaí probe death of man after pub row

GARDAÍ are investigating the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of a man found dead at his home the morning after he was caught up in a row outside a pub.

Malcolm Franey, aged 42, is believed to have died in his sleep just hours after he returned to his home in the Brooklands estate in Wicklow town. He had earlier abandoned an evening pint in nearby Rathnew village when the row broke out.

His shocked wife discovered him lying lifeless in bed shortly before 7am yesterday morning. An ambulance was called, but Mr Franey was pronounced dead at the scene.

State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy carried out a postmortem examination at St Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown, yesterday afternoon but gardaí were not releasing the results for operational reasons.

Mr Franey, who worked as a machinery operator at the Wen-Plast door manufacturers in Wicklow town, went to the Rathnew House pub about two miles from his home some time during the late afternoon on Tuesday.

An argument started outside the premises at around 5.20pm and gardaí were called. It was not clear last night whether Mr Franey was physically assaulted. He gave a companion who accompanied him back to his house no indication that he was in distress. An ambulance was called to the scene to attend to another man who suffered minor injuries in the disturbance, but Mr Franey sent the crew away after declining their offer to bring him to hospital.

A third man was arrested at the scene and was charged with a public order offence. Gardaí last night dismissed reports that a person was arrested after the discovery of Mr Franey's body. No one was formally interviewed in connection with the death, gardaí said.

Detective Sergeant Fergus O'Brien of Wicklow Garda Station, who is leading the inquiry, said there were a large number of witnesses to speak to. “We’re still taking statements and we have a number of lines of inquiry to pursue,” he said.

Det Sgt O’Brien also dismissed reports that the dispute had concerned drugs. “This was a very well respected, decent man who was out for a pint.

“There was no suggestion that he was involved in instigating the row,” he said.Rathnew-born Mr Franey and his wife, Lucy, a native of Wicklow, had lived in the quiet Brooklands estate for about a year after moving there from another part of the town. The couple have no children but have large extended families in Wicklow and Rathnew and Mr Franey was well known in the harbour town as a keen fisherman.

Meanwhile, gardaí in Dundalk are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 48-year-old woman. She was taken to Louth County hospital yesterday where she died at 1.10pm.

It is understood she may have some marks on her body.

State Pathologist Dr Cassidy, was due to commence a post mortem last night.

Gardaí said they have spoken to a number of people in connection with the woman's death.

It was believed she was feeling unwell yesterday and her partner called an ambulance.

Gardaí said they are awaiting the outcome of the post mortem before determining if the death was suspicious.