Evidence found in bin may relate to Croom murder

GARDAÍ refused to comment last night on speculation that there has been a major breakthrough in their investigation to track down the killer of Croom bachelor, Liam O’Donovan.

Sources in Croom said yesterday a knife and gloves had been found in a wheelie bin in the village and taken away by gardaí for forensic analyses.

Mr O’Donovan, aged 59, was stabbed to death at his home in St Sennan’s Terrace, early on Saturday morning.

Forensic evidence has shown that Mr O’Donovan was attacked inside his home and received a fatal stab wound to the chest.

His body was found on the street outside his home at around 7.30am on Saturday by a neighbour on his way to work.

Mr O’Donovan, who worked for the Roches Feed company in Limerick was last seen alive at around 1.30am on Saturday after he left Storan’s pub in the village where he attended an engagement party.

Gardaí now suspect at least one person broke into his home.

Gardaí believe robbery was the likely motive for the break-in as the thieves may have thought he held cash at his home as he collected money for the local Croom United soccer club monthly draw.

Indications are he was attacked in his bed in the house and managed to get out the front door on to the street to try and get help.

Gardaí have carried out door to door inquiries in the Croom area.

Supt Joe Roe who is heading the investigation has called on anybody with any information to contact the garda incident room at Askeaton Garda station.

Mr O’Donovan was a highly respected member of the community and was involved in many voluntary efforts in the village.

A keen musician, he regularly played his keyboard at parties for the elderly.

He had a life-long interest in soccer and helped build up the Croom United club.

It is understood that the removal of his remains will take place next Friday with funeral Mass and burial on Saturday.