Man released without charge as murder probe ongoing into Cork City death

Gardaí are investigating the circumstances leading to Mark O’Connell’s death as a man remains in custody for questioning

Mark O'Connell RIP. Photo: Facebook

A murder probe is now underway into the death of Mark O’Connell in Cork city early on Sunday morning.

A post mortem was conducted on Mr O’Connell’s remains on Sunday evening. 

Although gardaí say they are not releasing the results of the post mortem for “operational reasons”, sources have confirmed that the results prompted the launch of a murder investigation. 

He was pronounced dead at Cork University Hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning, following an incident outside a house in the Hollyville estate in Hollyhill.

A number of children were believed to have been inside the house at the time of the incident.

A 55-year-old man, who was arrested on Sunday morning in connection with the incident, was released without charge on Monday evening. Gardaí said a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

He had been held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

Guards outside the property in Hollyville, Hollyhill which was last night the scene of a fatal stabbing. Picture: Chani Anderson

This morning, Mr O’Connell’s colleagues at Northside Community Enterprises in Cork city were coming to terms with his death. The 38-year-old had been working there for a number of months. He was originally from Farranree.

It is understood he went to the house in the early hours of Sunday morning, and gardaí are working to establish the events leading up to his death.

A family liaison officer has been appointed to support Mr O’Connell’s family and keep them updated on any developments in the probe.

A detailed forensic and technical examination of the scene was carried out on Sunday while door-to-door enquiries were also conducted in the area.

No funeral arrangements have yet been announced for Mr O’Connell.