Murder investigation launched into death of Michael Foley (61) in Macroom

Macroom Co Cork.

A MURDER INVESTIGATION has been launched into the death of 61-year-old Michael Foley in Macroom.

The man’s body was discovered in suspicious circumstances yesterday afternoon at a house in Annville in Barrett’s Place in the west Cork town shortly after 1pm.

Gardaí said a post-mortem on his body was completed this evening by State Pathologist Dr. Margot Bolster at Cork University Hospital.

The results of the post-mortem are not being released for operational reasons.

The investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) and a Garda Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been appointed to liaise with the family of the deceased.

A garda spokesperson said that examinations of the scene remain ongoing.

It is understood initial enquiries have led gardaí to believe that Michael Foley was last seen on Saturday last, however they are continuing to determine if he was seen after that date.

Sources said it is believed he met a violent death with significant injuries on his body.

Search teams and forensic experts were working in the area this morning as they sought clues to the discovery.

Annville is a Cork County Council sheltered housing development in the centre of Macroom with seven units.

Michael Foley was originally from the Clonakilty area but had been living in Macroom for a number of years. He is a separated father of four.

The victim’s brother Timmy was murdered  in 2018. He was stabbed to death by his wife Rita O’Driscoll who has been jailed for that incident.

Door to door enquiries are underway and gardaí have begun gathering CCTV footage from the area.

The housing development where the discovery was made is close to local businesses, a large public car park and the main street where it is anticipated there will be extensive surveillance camera coverage.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have recently spoke to Michael to contact them.

Any person with any information that can assist Gardaí with this investigation are asked to contact Macroom Garda station on 026 20590, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.