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North Clare Community United In Shock And Disbelief Following Discovery Of Bodies Of Married Couple

The Parish Priest who administered the last rites to a married couple who were found dead at their home in North Clare is appealing to the local community to come together in a time of tragedy.

The bodies of Joe and Claire Collins, both of whom were aged in their 50s were discovered shortly after 2.30pm yesterday.

Its claimed a cloud of shock and sadness has descended upon North Clare.

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Shortly after 5pm on Thursday afternoon when the people of Kilnaboy and Corofin were either coming home from work or returning from school, word of a terrible tragedy started to filter through.

Gardaí had arrived at the scene two and a half hours earlier, where after being alerted to the incident by a neighbour they discovered the body of Joe Collins aged in his 50s outside the property and Claire Collins also aged in her 50s inside the home.

The husband and wife had been well known in the locality were they worked and were actively involved in community organisations.

The family’s two adult daughters and many relatives are understood to be living nearby and a family Liason Officer has been appointed to offer support at this time.

Parish Priest of Corofin-Kilnaboy and Rath, Fr Des Hillery who administered the last rites to the deceased says its vital that the community rallies around one another in the coming days.

You can listen to the full interview below.

Earlier today these local residents expressed their shock at the news.

Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Joe Killeen meanwhile is confident the community will show its strentgh in the coming days.

A post mortem examination is set to be carried out at University Hospital Limerick later today by Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster.

The results of which coupled with an examination by the Garda Technical Bureau will determine the course of the investigation.

An incident room has been set up in Ennis Garda Station, where a Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the case.

Anyone with information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 68 48 100, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 contact to their nearest Garda station.

You can listen to the full package below.

If you have been affected by this story, you can contact Samaritans any time, from any phone for free on 116 123, while Pieta provide a free 24/7 Crisis helpline on 1800 247 247 or you can text ‘HELP’ to 51 444.

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