'There are guards everywhere': Locals express shock at fatal assault of woman in Limerick

THE “APPALLING and shocking” fatal assault of a woman in the city this Tuesday is going to have deep reverberations throughout Limerick, according to former mayor, Cllr Daniel Butler.

The woman, aged in her 20s, was pronounced dead and her body remains at the scene in an apartment on the Dock Road. Gardaí are investigating the fatal assault that occurred at approximately 1.30pm

According to sources, the alarm was raised after two females entered a local premises and asked the owner to ring the authorities. Gardai from Henry Street and National Ambulance Service paramedics responded within minutes.

One local resident told Limerick Live there is a “very tense atmosphere”.

“There are guards everywhere. We are having to go in through a back entrance. If you are living on that floor you are not allowed go into your apartment until the crime scene is over. You have to arrange a sleeping situation for tonight,” they said.

Apartment dwellers on other floors can get into their accommodation but they can’t leave for the rest of the evening.

“It’s scary. The guards are just telling us what is on the news - that’s all they know so far,” they said.

Cllr Elisa O’Donovan said it was “absolutely desperate news” and her thoughts are with the young woman’s friends and family.

“It is so sad. I walked past there coming home from work and people in the area were very saddened. I wouldn't say they are shocked unfortunately. 

“We need to make this area much safer for the families and people that live there. It is desperate to see a woman so young lose her life in such violent circumstances,” said Cllr O’Donovan.

Woman, 20s, dies after assault at Limerick house

Fellow Limerick City West councillor and former mayor, Cllr Daniel Butler said it was “very shocking” to hear of the fatal assault.

“Particularly for women because we know in recent years with the Ashling Murphy case and others, the vulnerable nature which women are in when it comes to violent assault.

“It brings to the fore again the issue of women’s safety but first and foremost my thoughts are with her family and friends and the community in that particular area who are in a deep state of shock as we all are,” said Cllr Butler, who described it as an “appalling and shocking act that is going to have deep reverberations throughout Limerick”.

Fr Seamus Enright, rector of the Redemptorists who are located just a couple of streets away from where the fatal assault took place, said: "We are horrified that such violence has come to our community."

Fr Enright said they will remember the young woman and those who are grieving for her in their prayers.

"We will do it especially at the 7.15pm Mass this Tuesday evening and all the Masses tomorrow. A death like this reminds us of how precious life is and that we must do all that we can to support life and enhance life wherever we find it.

"We appeal to people with information to co-operate with An Garda Siochana," said Fr Enright.