A DUBLIN murder victim, Ms Maura McKinney (50), was cremated yesterday at an emotional church service at Glasnevin Cemetery. Over 100 people gathered earlier at St Canice's Church in Finglas to say goodbye to the local woman.
The mother of five died on Saturday from extensive burns 11 days after she had been drenched with caustic soda.
Ms McKinney, from Rathvilly Park in Finglas, was found lying in a pool of blood in the hallway of her home on August 6th. Her youngest daughter, Sinead, who is in her early 20s, discovered her in a semi conscious state when she returned to the house at 7 a.m. to change her clothes before going to work. Sine ad had stayed the previous night with friends. Ms McKinney's husband, Michael, was also in the house at the time of the discovery.
Initially it was thought she had been beaten and she was brought to the James Connolly Memorial Hospital at Blanchardstown and transferred to the burns unit of St James's Hospital a short time later. She was suffering from 35 per cent burns to her face, head and upper body believed to have been caused by caustic soda, a highly dangerous alkaline substance.
One man was arrested on the day Ms McKinney's body was found and brought to Finglas Garda station for questioning. He was later released and a file was being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Over the weekend gardai have upgraded their investigation to a fill murder inquiry. They are believed to be following a definite line of inquiry.
Michael and Maura McKinney had lived in the quiet cul de sac in Rathvilly Park for over 20 years. Their five children, three sons and two daughters are in their 20s and early 30s. Four of the couple's children are married and only the youngest, Sine ad, lives at home.
The close knit community has expressed shock and sadness at her death. "She was a lovely, bubbly person," said one neighbour yesterday. "But they are a very private family."
Mr McKinney who, it is understood, retired from truck driving a number of years ago, is described locally as "very quiet".
Ms McKinney, who worked part time as a cleaner, was more outgoing, according to locals. "She always spoke about her children. She was very proud of them. Derek, Vincent, Michael jnr and the two girls, Catriona and Sinead, were her life," said another neighbour.