A tragedy occurred in Kilkenny leaving a woman lying dead on her own land for over 24 hours after being caught by a falling tree branch, it resurfaced.
Detectives believe one of Mary O’Shea’s dogs refused to leave her side until passers-by found her body, the Mirror has learned.
“The dog stayed by her side the whole time,” a source said last night, reports The Mirror.
We also learned that the body of Ms. O’Shea, who was also a well-known local historian in her 60s, was pinned to the ground by a heavy branch that fell from a tree while she was cutting it down.
Her body was found at her home near Piltown, County Kilkenny, on Saturday night, but sources say she was last seen early Friday and is believed to have died later that day.
She was an unmarried only child and her parents predeceased them, locals said.
Gardai confirmed to the Mirror that they were investigating the death of a woman whose body was found in Piltown on Saturday.
Although police did not name the victim, several local sources confirmed her identity as Mary O’Shea.
A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí were requested for assistance by ambulance services yesterday, Saturday 19th November 2022, following reports of an incident in the Piltown area, Co. Kilkenny. A woman in her 60s received fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body has been removed to the Mortuary at University Hospital Waterford. A file will be prepared for the Coroner,” reports The Mirror.
Sources said foul play had been ruled out and her death a tragic accident.
Local Fine Gael councilor Pat Dunphy said everyone in the area was shocked by her death.
He said: “I would like to pass on my sympathy and those of the people of Piltown to her relations.She was a very popular woman,” reports The Mirror.
And last night the parish priest, Father Paschal Moore, paid her an emotional tribute.
He said: “She lived alone but she was very much involved in community life. She was a local historian and wrote a book on the area a few years ago. She was a wonderful person and was a great help in the parish when tourists came looking for their family roots. She was always willing to help,” reports The Mirror.
And Eddie Synnott, of the South Kilkenny Historical Society, of which Mrs O’Shea was co-treasurer, also paid her respects last night.
Mr Synnott said: “She was a very good historian and was able to express her knowledge,” reports The Mirror.
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