Autopsies carried out on remains of couple found dead in Kilkenny home

POST-MORTEM examinations are being carried out today on the remains of the elderly couple who were found dead in their Kilkenny home.

The autopsy results will determine the course of the Garda investigation into the deaths.

The bodies of Michael Hurley (83) and his partner, Mary Holohan (79) were discovered by a relative at their home in Kilderry, Johnswell at 7pm on Wednesday.

The post-mortem examinations on the couple’s remains are being carried at University Hospital Waterford.

Some media reports have speculated the couple may have died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. However, the cause of their deaths has not yet been established.

Local Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick described Michael and Mary as “a lovely couple” with whom he would regularly meet while shopping at the local Eurospar.

Cllr Fitzpatrick told KilkennyNow.ie: “The whole community here in Johnswell is deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the deaths. Michael and Mary were well known and were a great support to the local community.”

In a statement released yesterday, the Garda Press Office confirmed Gardai are investigating “all of the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the bodies of a man (80s) and woman (70s) in a house in Kilderry, Johnswell, Co Kilkenny”.

The statement added: “The alarm was raised by family members at approximately 7pm yesterday evening. Gardaí attended the scene and they were both pronounced dead a short time later. It’s understood they may have been in the house a number of days.”