GARDAÍ have said that they will not be releasing details of autopsies conducted on a couple at University Hospital Limerick for “operational reasons” after the bodies of the husband and wife were found at their home on Thursday.
The bodies of Claire Collins (51) and her husband Joe Collins (54), who had two grown up children, were discovered at their home in Killinaboy, County Clare.
Mr Collins’ body was found by a visitor who called at around 2.30pm, and his wife’s body was found inside the property.
Claire Collins was the manager of the Burren Centre in nearby Kilfenora, while Mr Collins worked at a butcher’s shop in Ennis.
“Gardaí are continuing to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Claire and Joe Collins at a domestic residence in Killinaboy, County Clare, on Thursday, 9th November 2023,” a Garda spokesman said tonight (Friday).
“The post mortems of both individuals have been completed. The results of these post mortems will not be released for operational reasons,” he said.
“The scene remains preserved and technical examinations are ongoing.”
Gardaí said their “primary focus” at this time “is the preparation of a file for the coroner” in Clare.
The spokesman confirmed that Gardaí were “not looking for any other individual in relation to this incident at this time”.
A keen cyclist, Joe Collins was a member of the Dolmen Cycling Club in Ennis. The club, paying tribute to Mr Collins, stated: “It is hard to imagine our spins without Joe. May they rest in peace.”
A Garda Family Liaison Officer was appointed to the Collins family, and an incident room was established at Ennis Garda Station.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 684 8100 the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station,” he said.
