Funeral of murdered Kerry woman to take place today

The body of Miriam Burns, 75, was discovered in her home near Killarney at lunchtime on Monday by neighbours

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

The funeral of a 75-year-old Kerry woman who was found dead in her home near Killarney is due to begin at 4pm today.

Tributes have been paid to Miriam Burns as a “devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin”.

The funeral will arrive at St Mary's Cathedral on Sunday, and the service will begin at 4pm, which will be followed by a private cremation. 

A man in his 50s who was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the murder of Ms Burns was released without charge earlier today. 

The body of Ms Burns was discovered in her home near Killarney, Co Kerry, at lunchtime on Monday by neighbours.

Ms Burns, a mother and grandmother, had not been seen since around 5pm on Friday. 

The investigation into her unexplained death was declared a murder inquiry on Tuesday afternoon and shortly afterwards a man was arrested.

The man was interviewed for the fifth time shortly after noon on Thursday. The man’s solicitor Padraig O’Connell confirmed his client was released without being charged in connection with the death.

“I have no further comment at this point in time,” Mr O’Connell said.

He was released without charge shortly before 2pm on Thursday. A file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

A murder investigation was launched following the completion of the post-mortem examination, that was carried out at University Hospital in Kerry by State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster. 

The results of the postmortem were not released for operational reasons. However, it is understood that the injuries sustained by Ms Burns were consistent with an attack.

Gardaí have carried out a search of land near an old wishing well as they continue their investigation. 

Gardaí combed the site near the Old Well in addition to examining an area near Ross Castle. It is understood that gardaí found clothing and other materials which could possibly be linked to the murder during the course of the search.

There was no sign of break-in at the well-kept property where Ms Burns was found dead and it is believed that she knew her killer. A forensic examination of the property was carried out by investigating officers in the aftermath of the murder.

An incident room was set up and a family liaison officer was appointed.

Gardaí believe that Ms Burns was fatally assaulted in her home sometime between last Friday and last Monday.

Ms Burns lived in Adshanavooley for over 40 years and was known for her involvement in the community. She was a native of Milltown. 

A regular cyclist she also had a passion for gardening and travel and she was very highly regarded in the local community. Her funeral details will be finalised in the coming days.