'She was kind and popular': Woman found dead in Cavan home named locally

A man in his 30s has been arrested in connection with her death which has sent shockwaves through the local rural community.

A woman who was found dead at her home in Co Cavan following an assault has been named locally as Annie Heyneman.

Ms Heyenman, who was in her 50s, was a native of Kilnavert outside Ballyconnell.

She was prouncounced dead at her home on Saturday after she was seriously injured in an attack.

Her husband, Henk, who is from the Netherlands, was also injured in the incident. He was taken to Cavan General Hospital for treatment for his injuries.

"He remains in a serious but stable condition," said a Garda spokesperson.

Ms Heyneman nee McLoughlin had lived in Ballyconnell for most of her life but also spent time working in the Netherlands where she met her husband.

A man in his 30s was arrested at a separate location under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 and is currently detained at a garda station in the area.

Ms Heyenman's death has sent shockwaves through the local rural community.

Annie Heyneman, Derrycassin, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan who was found dead at her home last night.

Local TD Brendan Smith who knew the family said “I want to pass on my sincere condolences on behalf of the entire community for this family’s loss.

“I am a native of that parish. I know that family very well, the family are highly regarded, and very popular in the local community. The local community are absolutely shocked.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, they are a good family and she was a very kind and popular woman. We are all deeply shocked, this is a very sad time in our parish”.

Councillor John Paul Feeley said “Our thoughts are with the family, it is a huge shock for everyone who knew them and wider community.” 

Gardaí at Cavan Garda Station are leading the investigation and in a statement a spokesperson said “A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) and Family Liaison Officer (FLO) will be appointed in due course. 

"Investigating Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and those with information to come forward.

“Anyone who travelled in the area of Kilnavert, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, last night, Saturday 11th January 2025, between 8.30pm and 9.30pm, is asked to provide Gardaí with any available camera footage, including dashcam recordings.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cavan Garda Station on [phone], the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”

One man, aged in his 30s, was arrested at a separate location, and detained pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, at a Garda Station in the Co Cavan area.

The scene has been preserved for technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.