LAST UPDATE | 18 Nov 2025

A WOMAN HAS died and her husband was seriously injured after they were stabbed outside their home in Cork City last night.

The couple, understood to be in their late 50s and early 60s, have bene named locally as Stella and Brian Gallagher. 

They were attacked outside their home at Shrewsbury Downs in Ballinlough in the southside of the city at around 9pm. 

A man in his 20s, who is known to the couple, was arrested at the location.

A knife is understood to have been discovered at the scene, which was attended by gardaí from the Armed Support Unit.

Paramedics performed CPR on the injured man and the couple were rushed to Cork University Hospital for treatment. 

The woman subsequently died in hospital. Her husband is seriously injured, but is said to be in a stable condition. 

The man in his 20s was taken to a garda station in Cork for questioning.

He is being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. He was due to be seen by a doctor last night. 

It is understood that Gardaí need to ascertain whether the man is medically fit to be questioned at this time. 

It is understood that gardaí are dealing with multiple crime scenes and the location has been cordoned off with a full forensic examination set to take place today. 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who lives in the area, described the incident as “extremely sad” and “very difficult to comprehend”.

“Neighbours are shocked at what has happened,” said Martin.

“It’s very, very sad news in the neighbourhood, and I live in that neighbourhood.

“This is totally unexpected and I can only think of the family and friends of the family who have been impacted by this.”

A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Anglesea Street Garda Station.

A Family Liaison Officer has also been assigned to support the family of the deceased.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.

Anyone who was in the Shrewsbury Downs area of Ballinlough between 8:30pm and 9:30pm last night and who may have camera footage, including home security and dash-cam footage, is asked to make this footage available.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Anglesea Street Garda Station on 021 452 2000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

-With additional reporting from Olivia Kelleher