LAST UPDATE | 28 Jun 2024

THE COMMUNITY IN the town of Castleisland, Co Kerry, are said to be “numb” and “in shock” following the death of a man overnight following a fatal assault.

The man has been named locally as Paudie O’Connor, a well-known man in the town who worked in the building trade.

The incident happened this morning at 12.30am outside a house in An Caisleán Mór in Castleisland. A garda spokesperson said emergency services were called to a report of an “unresponsive male with serious injuries”.

“The man, aged in his 40s, was later pronounced deceased at the scene,” gardaí said.

A post-mortem on the deceased was completed earlier today. The results are not being released for operational reasons.

A man, aged in his 40s, has been arrested following the incident. He is being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a garda station in Co Kerry.

It is believed the two men were known to each other.

Examinations of the scene at An Caislean Mor remain ongoing.

‘Terrible tragedy’

Speaking to TheJournal, local Independent councillor Charlie Farrelly called the incident a “terrible tragedy”.

“People are numb this morning to wake up to hear of a tragedy like this happening,” he said.

“People always read it on the news in bigger towns and cities, but in a small rural community town like Castleisland you never expect it to happens. People are numb beyond belief.”

Castleisland is a small town in the east of Kerry, close to Tralee.

Farrelly said he knew the deceased man “well” and that he was “a nice chap to talk to “. 

It’s just shocking, absolutely shocking. My heart goes out to his mother and his extended family after this terrible, terrible tragedy.

Gardaí have appealed for witnesses and asked anyone with information to contact Tralee Garda Station on 066 7102300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.