Tight-knit Killarney community coming to terms with tragic death of pensioner

Gardaí continue their investigation into the death of Miriam Burns who was found dead in her home on Monday in 'unexplained circumstances'

The body of Miriam Burns was discovered at her house in Killarney.

They stood with ashen faces, cupped hands over mouths, interspersed by gentle back rubs and hugs as gardaí walked around the estate with evidence-gathering folders - this close-knit community in Killarney is still coming to terms with a tragedy in their midst that is scarcely believable.

Ardshanavooly is an estate that has seen hundreds of families grow up over the decades, but the late Miriam Burns, who was found dead in her home on Monday in what gardaí subsequently described as unexplained circumstances, was a staple of the neighbourhood for almost 50 years.