LAST UPDATE | 12 Oct

A MAN FOUND dead in suspicious circumstances in Doneraile in north Cork in the early hours of this morning has been named as Barry Daly (43).

He was from the area. It is believed that Mr Daly was on his way home from a night out when he was assaulted. 

Gardaí in Mallow are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding his death.

The Assistant State Pathologist, Dr Margot Bolster was contacted to attend the scene where the body of the deceased remains at this time.

A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Mallow Garda Station.

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

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

Locals are said to be comforting his partner Katie and children in the tight knit community.

Local councillor Frank O’Flynn said that the man’s death has plunged the local community into a state of shock, following sporting celebrations in the area yesterday.

O’Flynn, a former Mayor of Cork, said people woke up to “shocking news” this morning.

“It’s unbelievable,” he said. “Doneraile is a nice, quiet, peaceful community and this is the last thing you’d expect. The family are in my thoughts and prayers.”

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 village, Mallow, Co. Cork this morning from 12 midnight to 2am.

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.

Investigations are ongoing.

Additional reporting by Sophie Finn