Investigation launched after discovery of woman's body in Co Tipperary 

Gardaí said they are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the discovery, which occurred shortly after 3pm in Clonmel

The office of the State Pathologist and the local coroner have been notified, and an autopsy is set to be arranged.

A woman’s body has been discovered in a drain near the Holy Years Cross, a local landmark just outside Clonmel town.

A walker discovered the woman’s body in the drain near a roadway at about 3pm on Monday and alerted gardaí.

Gardaí sealed off an area near the Holy Years Cross and preserved the scene.

The cross is a local landmark which is illuminated at night and can be seen from Clonmel town, approximately three kilometres away. It is a popular area with walkers.

The office of the State Pathologist and the local coroner were notified and an autopsy is to take place, the results of which will determine the course of the garda investigation.

Searches had been underway in recent weeks for a woman who was working as a midwife but disappeared from the town in November.

Locals, gardaí and the Civil Defence had conducted multiple searches in the area, concentrating along the River Suir in the town.

But the missing woman, a much-loved mother-of-four, has not been found.

Gardaí have not yet confirmed whether there is any link between this missing woman and the human remains found by the Holy Years Cross.

Independent Councillor for Clonmel, Richie Molloy, said the town is in shock.

“Clonmel woke up this morning to the awful news,” he said.

“The sense of shock is being experienced throughout the town that a body has been found somewhere in the vicinity of the Holy Years Cross.

“People are sad because we’re coming towards Christmas, it’s generally a family time, when families come together, and it’s going to be heartbreaking news for the family of whoever this person is.

“But further details on their identity will not be known until a later time.” 

Gardaí said the force is currently investigating all circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.