Man murdered in Mallow may have been killed in professional 'execution' hit

Garda forensics teams at the scene last week after a body was discovered near the Waste Water treatment plant at Ballyellis in Mallow. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

The man murdered on a riverbank outside Mallow may have been the victim of an execution style killing.

Paul ‘Bosco’ O’Connor, 56, was found dead on the banks of the River Blackwater at Ballyellis, on the outskirts of Mallow, at about 1.30pm on Thursday.

Gardaí have not ruled out whether he was lured to his death in a planned execution.

One source said it seemed to be professional, like an organised assassination.

Mr O’Connor had taken the train from Kent station in Cork city to Mallow on Wednesday evening, arriving after 7.20pm.

He then walked from the rail station and some 3km past Mallow town to the College Wood housing estate. His body was found on the secluded riverbank near that housing estate the next day.

The man walked the longest route to the area where he would later be found dead, skipping all shortcuts, which would be known to people familiar with the area.

Gardaí believe that he was not familiar with the area and may have been lured there to be killed.

Gardaí have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries in the College Wood estate and in the surrounding area.

They have also combed the surrounding rural area for any evidence, using implements to beat back overgrowth and vegetation.

Mr O'Connor, who was from the Ballyphehane area of Cork city, suffered gunshot wounds after possibly being shot at a very close range.

His body was removed from the scene, and an autopsy was conducted by state pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster.

The results of the autopsy are not being released for operational reasons.

Mr O'Connor was wearing a dark green hooded jacket, khaki-coloured combat trousers, and black runners.

He travelled from Kent Train Station in the city to Mallow on Wednesday, arriving shortly after 7.20pm.

Appeal for information

Investigating gardaí are appealing to anyone who was on the train between Kent and Mallow stations that evening, or who may have seen the man in Mallow between 7.20pm on October 14 and 1.30pm on October 15, to come forward.

Gardaí are also seeking information from anyone who was in the vicinity of the River Blackwater at Ballyellis during that period.

Road users and pedestrians who were in the area and may have camera footage, including dashcam recordings, are asked to make it available to investigators.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mallow Garda Station on 022-31450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111, or any Garda station.