Man killed in suspected assault in Doneraile is named locally

Barry Daly

A man, 40s, found dead in suspicious circumstances in Doneraile early on Sunday has been named as Barry Daly, a local man who had young children.

Garda sources say his death is being linked to a row in the north Cork village and say that several people are understood to have been in the area and may have witnessed what led to his death.

It's believed he died in a violent assault.

It is expected that his death will be upgraded to murder when results of an autopsy are released to gardaí.

Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster is to visit the scene where the body was discovered at Rockview Terrace, Doneraile, after which it will be removed to Cork city mortuary for an autopsy.

The death has plunged the local community into a state of shock, following a celebratory day yesterday when the local GAA junior hurling team won the North Cork Junior B final against Ballyclough.

Fianna Fáil councillor, and former Cork County Mayor, Frank O’Flynn, said people woke up to “shocking news” on Sunday.

“It’s unbelievable,” he said. 

“Doneraile is a nice, quiet, peaceful community and this is the last thing you’d expect. People are finding it very hard to believe. They’re shocked and upset, and this is a very sad time. They're in my prayers and thoughts."

A section of Doneraile Park is cordoned off following the discovery of a man’s body at nearby Rockview Terrace, Doneraile, early on Sunday morning. Picture: Dan Linehan

Gardaí have appealed for witnesses and a senior investigating officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Mallow Garda Station. 

"The Assistant State Pathologist, Dr Margot Bolster, has been contacted to attend the scene where the body of the deceased remains at this time," said a Garda spokesperson.

A family liaison officer (FLO) has also been assigned to provide support to the family.

The Garda Technical Bureau has been requested to attend the scene.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact them and are seeking any available camera footage, including dashcam recordings, from those who were in the vicinity of Doneraile, Co Cork, from midnight to 2am Sunday, October, 12.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Mallow Garda Station on 022 31 450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.