LAST UPDATE | 13 Jan 2025

A WOMAN ATTACKED and killed in her home in Cavan has been named locally as Annie Heyneman, as gardaí launch a murder investigation.

A man in his 30s was arrested at a separate location following the incident.

Annie’s husband Henke was seriously injured during the course of the attack. He was brought to Cavan General Hospital for treatment, where his condition is stable. Henke is originally from the Netherlands and has been working at the five-star Slieve Russell hotel as a porter.

Gardaí were alerted to an incident at a house in Kilnavert, near Ballyconnell, at around 9.30pm on the evening of 11 January.

Annie was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body has been brought to Cavan General Hospital for post-mortem examination and the scene has been preserved for technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.

It’s understood that the suspect had left the scene and gone to a local chip shop in Ballyconnell, where he is a regular. There, he asked staff to call emergency services. It is understood he had blood on his clothing and body.

Earlier in the evening, a fire had started at the Heyneman residence, but it was quickly brought under control and it is understood that the damage to the house was minimal.

“The investigation is being led from an incident room at Cavan Garda Station. A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) and Family Liaison Officer (FLO) will be appointed in due course,” the garda statement said on Sunday.

“Investigating Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and those with information to come forward.

“Anyone who travelled in the area of Kilnavert, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, last night, Saturday 11th January 2025, between 8.30pm and 9.30pm, is asked to provide Gardaí with any available camera footage, including dashcam recordings. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cavan Garda Station on (049) 436 8800, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”