GARDAÍ are examining hundreds of hours of video footage from CCTV cameras in Rathkeale and Limerick City, in an effort to trace the movements of Louise Muckell, prior to her death last Wednesday.
The former music teacher and singer from Rathkeale was found with serious injuries at her home at Cois Deel in the town around 8.30pm on Tuesday night and she died at University Hospital Limerick the following day.
Although Gardaí have not launched a murder investigation, it is understood they believe Ms Muckell died after a violent attack.
They have been conducting house-to-house enquires in the Cois Deel estate, as well as at houses on Windmill Street in Limerick City, where Ms Muckell may have been assaulted in an apartment last weekend or earlier this week.
A post mortem was conducted by State Pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster but the results have not been released.
Ms Muckell, who was in her mid 50s, was known locally as a talented pianist who taught music in the former Sisters of Mercy secondary school in Rathkeale before its closure a number of years ago.
In previous years she had been a much sought after singer at local weddings and funeral. She lived alone in the Cois Dell estate and has a number of close relatives living in the local area.
Speaking earlier today (Friday), local Fine Gael Councillor Adam Tesky, appealed “to anyone with information to come forward to An Garda Siochana to try and bring this to some sort of hopeful conclusion”.
“There are a lot of families suffering in Rathkeale and there is a dark cloud over the community,” he said.
“The area and the people of the town and the surrounding arrears are completely shocked at what has happened, and I pass on my sympathies to the Muckell family.”
Appealing for information, a Garda spokesman said: “In particular Gardaí wish to speak to anyone who was in the Windmill Street area of Limerick City or the Cois Deel area of Rathkeale between Sunday, July 17 and Tuesday, July 19, who observed any activity which drew their attention, to come forward.”
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Henry Street Garda Station on 061 212400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
