Autopsy due on body of man, 80s, found dead in Kerry

Gardaí in Tralee are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a man’s body in Castlemaine County Kerry on Sunday. Picture: Domnick Walsh

Gardaí have launched a probe into the death of a man in his 80s in Co Kerry on Sunday, who is understood to have suffered gunshot wounds.

The man was named locally as Patrick ‘Paddy’ O’Mahony Sr. Sources said the man had been retired for some time, but had still been active in his community.

It’s understood that gardaí are speaking to a man in connection with the pensioner’s death, and that they were known to each other.

Locals in Milltown/Castlemaine in mid Kerry on Sunday night said Mr Mahony was a licensed gun holder and his profession was related to rifle ranges and gun dealing.

A widower, he lived alone around three miles from the village on the Tralee side.

He was seen socialising on Saturday with another man.

Locals who spoke to the Irish Examiner said they were shocked and saddened upon hearing of his passing on Sunday morning, which took place in a small village with a tight-knit community. Castlemaine is located roughly half-way between Killorglin and Tralee.

Fr Danny Broderick, moderator of Castlemaine parish said wonderful neighbours and friends would be supporting the family today.

He said: "Castlemaine was always a lovely parish it stretches all the way from Ballyfinnane to Keel. There are some great neighbours and friends there.’ A good decent community.

People will be very upset, Fr Broderick acknowledged. It was a big shock and a talking point.

Gardaí in Tralee are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a man’s body in Castlemaine County Kerry on Sunday. Picture: Domnick Walsh

"But there’s no doubt the community will be supporting the family," the priest added on Radio Kerry this morning.

Meanwhile, it is not clear yet what time the autopsy is to take place.

A spokesperson said they were investigating “all the circumstances” around the discovery of the man’s body outside his home in Castlemaine early on Sunday morning.

Emergency services were called to the location in the mid-Kerry village, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sources said that when the man’s body was removed from the scene and taken to University Hospital Kerry, it was discovered he had sustained gunshot wounds.

A spokesperson said that the scene is currently being preserved for technical examination and both the State pathologist and local coroner had been notified.

“The results of a post-mortem examination will assist Gardaí in determining the course of the investigation,” the garda spokesperson said.

Gardaí have indicated that no further update will be forthcoming until the post-mortem has been completed.