Gardaí investigate separate deaths of Louth husband and wife

Gardaí are investigating the separate deaths of a husband and wife in Co Louth yesterday.

The body of the woman, named locally as Marie Quigley, who was aged in her late 60s, was found with head injuries at her home in Rathmore near Hackballscross yesterday afternoon.

Just hours before the body was found, her husband Jim, also in his late 60s, was killed when his car was involved in a collision while apparently travelling in the wrong direction on the M1 motorway at around 2pm yesterday afternoon

Post mortem examinations are to be carried out on the couple's remains later.

Parish priest of Kilkerley, Fr Gerry Campbell, said the news has shocked the community.

"It’s just completely shocking and there's a numb feeling that has come over the parish," she said.

"Indeed, our hearts go out to the family and their children, God, we really pray for the children - it's devastating for them."