GARDAÍ IN Cork have launched a murder inquiry after a postmortem confirmed that a man found dead in his house near the city centre had died violently.
The inquiry into the death of retired barman Donal Manley (62) was upgraded to a murder investigation yesterday afternoon after a postmortem by Assistant State Pathologist Dr Declan Gilsenan confirmed Mr Manley had suffered extensive head injuries.
Mr Manley's fully clothed body was found in a downstairs room of the terraced house on High Street near Capwell by gardaí at about 8.30pm on Sunday. They had been alerted by neighbours concerned when they had not seen Mr Manley for two days.
While gardaí were yesterday refraining from disclosing details of the injuries sustained by Mr Manley for operational reasons, The Irish Times has learned he suffered a broken jaw and other injuries to the face and head.
However, there was no sign of a forced entry to the building nor was there any sign of significant struggle, leading gardaí to speculate he may have known his killer and had little chance to defend himself when he was attacked.
Gardaí believe Mr Manley, who was single and lived alone, sustained the fatal injuries in the house, saying it was unlikely he was assaulted elsewhere and made his way home and died.
According to Supt Mick Finn of Anglesea Street Garda station, who is heading up the investigation, there is no indication that Mr Manley was assaulted with an implement.
Gardaí are hoping the post-mortem will confirm whether he was punched or kicked and, if he was punched, that samples taken from the injuries may provide vital forensic evidence.
Gardaí have confirmed that Mr Manley's TV was missing. They were yesterday liaising with his relatives to establish what other possessions he had in the house where he had lived for over 20 years.
A native of Grenagh, between Mallow and Cork, Mr Manley worked as a barman at the Sextant Bar on Albert Quay but had retired early due to arthritis.
Anyone who can assist gardaí is asked to contact Anglesea Street Garda station on 021-452 2000.