Murder enquiry as body found
Thursday, 9 October 2008
The scene yesterday (Tuesday) at Boyds Row in Armagh, where the body of Eileen Corrigan was discovered. PW4168
by RICHARD BURDEN
POLICE confirmed yesterday that a murder investigation had been launched following the discovery of a woman's body at her home in Armagh.
The deceased was officially named as 62-year-old Eileen Corrigan.
Her body was discovered by a friend at her Boyds Row house at around lunchtime.
Senior investigating officer, DCI Debbie McMaster, speaking at a press facility at the scene yesterday (Tuesday), confirmed: "The circumstances lead us to believe that this is a murder investigation".
The enquiry into the murder of the "well-known" Armagh woman, she said, was at a very early stage and there were no definite leads at this time.
Officers are trying to build a picture of Mrs Corrigan's last days.
“We believe she was last seen last Thursday morning and are appealing to anyone who may have been in her company or had any dealings with her, spoken to her in the street or had telephone conversations with her, to come forward," said DCI McMaster.
The detective chief inspector said she was not able to confirm the nature of any injuries which Mrs Corrigan may have sustained.
But she added that it was important to locate her killer and bring them to justice.
“I'm looking for anyone who can help us with this enquiry," she stated.
Neighbours of Mrs Corrigan have been shocked to learn of her murder and described her as someone who "kept herself to herself".
It is understood she had lived alone at the house for quite a number of years.
It was yesterday morning that police first revealed they were treating the death as "suspicious".
Scenes of crime officers were still carrying out a fingertip search of the house and surrounding area more than 24 hours after the discovery of Mrs Corrigan's body on Monday.
Boyds Row - a single street of terraced homes leading off the Loughgall Road - has been described by locals as a "peaceful area".
A neighbour told the Gazette of seeing an ambulance between 1pm and 2pm on Monday approaching the house from the bus depot, which runs along the rear of the terrace.
It is not known at this stage how long Mrs Corrigan's remains had been at the house before being found.
The deceased was the mother of one grown up daughter.
She was predeceased by her husband, Seamus, who had worked for the local ACE Scheme, 12 years ago.
Another neighbour said people in the area had been stunned by the death of Mrs Corrigan (nee Houlihan).
“She was a very quiet woman, who really kept herself to herself," she said. "But she was well-known in the area, a kind and caring person. She looked after her late mother for years before she died.
“People here are just stunned and cannot take it in. Nobody knows yet exactly what happened to her but it's a very sad day".
Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area - or who can help police with their enquiries - is being asked to contact the PSNI on 0845 600 8000, or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Local SDLP Councillor Mealla Bratton expressed her concern.
“I am saddened by news of the death of a local woman and my thoughts are with her friends and family at this difficult time," she said.
At the time of going to press, it was expected that a post mortem would be carried out last night (Tuesday).
