LAST UPDATE | 16 Jun

A WOMAN WHO gardaí believe died violently has been described as “kind, caring and generous” in a warm tribute by a local group near her home. 

Noreen Daly’s body was discovered at a property in the rural area of Ardsallagh, near Youghal Bridge shortly after 2pm. She was in her 80s. 

Gardaí have said that a man aged in his 30s was arrested this morning in connection with the investigation. He is being held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and can be detained for up to 24 hours. 

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, which is currently preserved for forensic examination.

It is understood that the man arrested is from the local area and while he is well known there is unlikely to have had any major connection with the dead woman. 

Noreen Daly was living alone in the rural area for some years after the death of her husband. She was originally from Grenagh, Co Cork, to the north of Cork city, but had retired to Ardsallagh from Dublin where she had been living. 

In a message on its Facebook page the Clashmore and Kinalebeg Community Council paid a warm tribute to Noreen. 

“The community of Ardsallagh and the wider area was stunned yesterday to hear the news of the death of Noreen Daly.

“Noreen and her late husband , Michael, had a home in Ardsallagh overlooking the Blackwater for the last 25 years. After Michael’s death in 2023 following a long illness, Noreen spent more time in Ardsallagh and earlier this year sold her house in Dublin to live here permanently.

“She was very much involved in the local community and got involved in Traditional music, Blackwater Opera Festival, Ardmore Choir, Tai Chi, Clashmore exercise classes to name just a few,” it read. 

The group said Noreen had a young spirit and would not have liked to be described as elderly. 

“She saw this move as the next stage of her life where she was going to carry on exploring and learning. Every day involved meeting her friends and doing new things.

“She was a kind, caring and generous person who loved her and Mike’s extended family. All who knew her will feel this loss for a very long time,” it added. 

A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Dungarvan Garda Station, a spokesperson said.

A Garda Family Liaison Officer has also been appointed to support the family.

The Coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified and a post-mortem examination will assist investigating gardaí in determining the course of their inquiries. 

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, in particular those who were in the Ardsallagh or Youghal Bridge areas in recent days.

Road users with camera footage, including dashcam recordings from the area, are also urged to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dungarvan Garda Station at 058 848600 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

‘Deeply sad and shocking’

Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor D. McGuinness appealed to people with information to contact gardaí.

“This is a deeply sad and shocking incident and my thoughts are with the woman who has died, and with her family, friends and neighbours as they come to terms with this terrible loss.

“There has been a real sense of shock and concern in the local community over the past day.  I welcome confirmation that a man has now been arrested in connection with the investigation.

“The focus today must remain on supporting the family and respecting their privacy at an incredibly difficult time. Gardaí are continuing their investigation and I would encourage anyone who may have information that could assist them to contact Dungarvan Garda Station,” he said.