Gardaí identify 'person of interest' as they investigate death of 89-year-old Josie Ray
Shock at the violent death of 89-year-old Nenagh woman Josephine Ray — also known as Josie or Joan — has turned to anger. Picture: Facebook/Pallas Photos
Gardaí have identified a “person of interest” in their investigation into the death of Tipperary woman Josephine Ray.
The 89-year-old’s family are preparing to lay her to rest on Friday as gardaí continue their probe into her death.
Her body was discovered at a residence at St Joseph’s Park, Nenagh, on Sunday afternoon, and gardaí are appealing for witnesses.
There have been no arrests in the investigation but sources confirm that a “certain” line of inquiry is being pursued and that a “person of interest” has been identified.
Mrs Ray, who was also known as Josie, will lie in repose in Ryan's funeral home in Nenagh on Thursday evening from 5pm to 7pm. Her remains will arrive at St Mary’s of the Rosary Church in Nenagh on Friday morning for her Requiem mass at 11am. She will be laid to rest afterwards in Killodiernan Graveyard.
She is survived by her daughters Sarah, Frances, Mary, Carmel, as well as by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is pre-deceased by her husband Paddy and daughter Joan.
Nenagh has been shocked by the death of Mrs Ray. She may have been asphyxiated and had suffered some injuries to her face and neck, it is understood.
No arrests have been made.
Her grandson, Daniel Ray O’Brien, shared a video on social media recently of his grandmother walking on a treadmill.
“She was ready for this year’s Olympics,” he wrote. “Fit as a fiddle. Even after breaking her hip.
“We can’t come to terms with this and never ever will.”
Local councillor Seamus Morris said the world would be a better place if there were more people like Ms Ray in it.
“Every town has its characters and Joan was one of our characters. She was a very flamboyant person. She loved her style. Loved her music,” he told RTÉ.
“You’d always hear her around the town with her daughters. They were very close,” Mr Morris said.
“I don’t think you could get anyone that would have a bad word to say about her. In fact, if everybody in the world was like Joan, we’d have a much better place. She will be deeply missed by everybody.”
The first reaction locally to news of her death had been shock, but that was now turning to anger, he said.
“This a woman of 89 years of age, after going through life, bringing up children, going through a world war, that her life has ended like this, violently.
Her neighbour, Michael O’Brien posted a photo of himself with Ms Ray, dressed in vibrant green for St Patrick’s Day earlier this year, on social media with the poignant caption: “Me and my best friend Joan Ray. 89 years old and still has the moves. A pure lady.
"In all my years knowing Joan I never heard [her] say a bad word about anyone. Joan, may you have many more St Patrick’s Day celebrations.”
Above the image, he wrote a tribute to his late friend.
“I have known Joan for many years as I used to frequent her house on a regular basis. Joan always welcomed me with open arms into her home. She would always greet me with a smile and a cup of tea.
Gardaí have appealed for information and for witnesses to come forward, particularly those who were in the St Joseph’s Park area between 8pm last Saturday and midday on Sunday.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Nenagh garda station at 067 50450, the garda confidential line at 1800 666111, or any garda station.
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