The special school in Drogheda where Mark and Louise O’Connor were founder-parents and which was attended by their son, Evan, who had autism, has expressed its “deepest sadness” at their deaths.
“Evan was one of the first two children to attend Abacas on day one,” said Drogheda Abacas Special School, in a joint statement with Autism Support Louth/Meath youth clubs. “Both Mark and Louise were passionate advocates for their son Evan and for all autistic people.”
A man in his 30s was still in custody on Tuesday after the bodies of Mark (54), Louise (56) and Evan (27) were found at the family’s home in Drumgowna, outside Tallanstown village, Co Louth, on Monday morning.
“Evan attended Abacas for 14 years,” the statement said. “He grew up with us. There are so many moments to remember, so many stories from school and club we will tell each other, especially over the next few weeks.”
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The O’Connors campaigned, lobbied and fundraised for the school and the youth clubs and would always be remembered for that legacy, the statement said.
Mark O’Connor was remembered as a “kind, thoughtful and valued colleague” by Joanne Condon, national manager with the National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities, where Mr O’Connor worked as a regional manager.
“His warmth, generosity of spirit and professionalism touched countless lives at our workplace and beyond,” she said. “Throughout his career, Mark championed the rights of others.”
Speaking at Drogheda Garda station on Tuesday, Superintendent Andrew Watters appealed for anyone with information about the deaths to come forward.
He said: “The O’Connor family are a very well known and respected family. They are good neighbours and an integral part of their local community in Drumgowna and the wider area of Louth and Monaghan.”
Outlining some of the background to what happened, Supt Watters said shortly before 10am on Monday, gardaí received a call to attend a residence at Drumgowna, about 5km from Tallanstown.
“On arrival at the house, uniform gardaí discovered Mark O’Connor, Louise O’Connor and their son Evan O’Connor, deceased.”
A suspect, aged in his 30s, was arrested on foot in the area at about 10am. The man, who is the only suspect in the case, had earlier been seen walking roads close to the Louth-Monaghan boundary. He had tried to secure a lift to Tallanstown village.
The motive for the three killings was unclear. However, medical attention was sought for the arrested man and Garda sources said an assessment of his mental condition formed part of their inquiries.
The bodies of the three victims were subject to a preliminary examination at the scene by a pathologist before their removal from the property on Monday night for full postmortem examinations.
While the results of those postmortems were required before the nature of the criminal investigation could be formalised, gardaí believe all three sustained stab wounds.
Supt Watters said gardaí are continuing to investigate all of the circumstances of the “family tragedy”.
“A family liaison officer has been assigned to support the O’Connor family,” he said. “An Garda Síochána will keep the family informed of the ongoing investigation and support them as they come to terms with this tragedy. I am appealing for privacy for the family at this time.
“An Garda Síochána will also closely support the local community in the Drumgowna area over the coming days as they come to terms with the violent deaths of their neighbours.
“Shortly after gardaí arrived at the house yesterday morning, other responding gardaí arrested a male nearby, aged in his 30s, in connection with this incident.
“The male is currently detained at a Garda station in the Louth area under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. An Garda Síochána are today continuing an investigation into all of the circumstances of this family tragedy.”
The man’s period of detention had been extended, meaning he had to be charged or released by Tuesday evening.
Supt Watters said postmortem examinations on the three victims would start on Tuesday.
“The scene remains subject of an ongoing forensic examination by the Garda National Technical Bureau and Divisional Search Team. The offices of the coroner and the state pathologist have been notified.
“[On Monday evening], the remains of the deceased were removed from the scene to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, and postmortem examinations will commence today.”
An incident room was established at Ardee Garda station in Co Louth and a senior investigating officer appointed to oversee the investigation. Gardaí said they were not looking for any other person in connection with the investigation.
The O’Connors, who had three adult sons, had celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary on September 12th. Mr O’Connor posted a photograph of himself and his wife on their wedding day on social media, saying they were “still very much in love”. They had finished paying their mortgage in June, a milestone they celebrated.
Ms O’Connor was very active in a wide number of social causes, including fundraising for mental health services and cancer charities.
The family home, a bungalow on a remote road in rural Co Louth, was sealed off on Monday, with all roads into the location blocked by gardaí. Members of the Garda technical bureau could be seen in white forensic suits gathering evidence at the scene, with the remains of the three victims still in situ. – Additional reporting: PA
