A young woman who died in suspicious circumstances in an incident at an apartment in Midleton, Co Cork, yesterday, has been named locally as Daena Walsh. The 27-year-old mother of two was found suffering from several suspected stab wounds in her residence, which was partly on fire. Despite emergency medical treatment at the scene, Ms. Walsh was pronounced deceased a short time after. This senseless violence has left two more children growing up without their mother, a harsh reality of the scourge of male violence that continues to plague our society.

Gardaí and emergency services responded to reports of an incident at an apartment off Main Street, Midleton, at around 4.15 pm. Upon arrival, they discovered Ms. Walsh with serious injuries. Firefighters were also called to the scene to contain the flames that had engulfed part of the flat.

Her partner has now been charged with the murder.

The unspeakable violence that led to Ms. Walsh’s death has caused untold suffering and trauma for her children, and extended family, with repercussions that will be felt for generations to come. The tragic death of Daena Walsh is the reality of the pervasive issue of male violence and its devastating impact on families and communities. As the investigation unfolds, a community along with Ms. Walsh’s family, is mourning the loss of a young mother whose life was cut tragically short.

The scene has been preserved for examination by the Garda Technical Bureau. Gardaí and firefighters remain in the area, and traffic diversions are in place as the investigation continues. An incident room has been established at Midleton Garda Station, and a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation. A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has also been assigned to support the family during this difficult time.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward, including anyone with camera footage, such as from a dash cam, in the Connolly Street / Main Street areas of Midleton yesterday, Friday 2nd August 2024.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Midleton Garda Station at 021 462 1550 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

If you have experienced any form of abuse, coercive control, domestic abuse, domestic violence, or sexual violence, please reach out to the following services ….

An Garda Siochana – call 999 / 112

Rape Crisis Centre – call 1800 77 8888

Women’s Aid – call 1800 341 900