Stabbing victim was caring nurse and much-loved mother

A mother-of-seven stabbed to death in her home was tonight described as a well respected, caring and popular woman.

Carmel Marrinan, 61, suffered a number of slash wounds to her hands and body after being attacked on the stairs of her home in Castlebar, Co Mayo.

Her 29-year-old son was arrested in the house at around 4am.

Local parish priest Fr Fergal Cunnane said the community was deeply saddened by the nurse’s horrific death.

“The entire community is greatly saddened by her untimely death. There is widespread compassion for the family and colleagues of the deceased,” he said.

“We keep in our prayers her family and all who journey with them at this tragic and sensitive time.”

Gardaí were called to the house at Blackfort on the Newport Road in the early hours of the morning and found paramedics frantically trying to revive Ms Marrinan in the hallway.

It is understood she woke in the middle of the night after hearing noises downstairs and was attacked on the stairs when she went to investigate.

Her son was initially taken into custody but then brought to hospital and later returned to gardai for questioning.

Ms Marrinan had worked as a nurse in the Sacred Heart Hospital in Castlebar for 20 years, caring for elderly patients.

Local health chiefs described her as a much loved and respected member of staff.

“She was a caring, kind and hardworking individual who always had the interests of the patients at heart,” a Health Service Executive spokesman said.

“All her colleagues were deeply shocked at the tragedy and extend their heartfelt sympathies to her family on their sad loss.”

Local Independent councillor Frank Durcan said the town was shocked by the killing.

“You couldn’t get a nicer family in the town. She was a perfect lady,” Mr Durcan said.

“A more respectable family you couldn’t get, it’s very tragic.

“She was very popular, one of the most popular families in the town. They were very involved in the community.”

The dead woman’s husband Seamus, who worked as a civil servant, was heavily involved in gaelic football at under-age level with local GAA club the Castlebar Mitchels.

He was in the house at the time of the attack.

Michael Disken, chairman, said he had coached and managed several teams, adding members were devastated.

“This is an absolute tragedy,” Mr Disken said.

“The whole family on all sides are steeped in the GAA.

“The family are well known and hugely respected. The club is devastated over the tragedy.”