Body of woman found dead in rural town removed to hospital for post-mortem

THE BODY of a woman found dead in County Limerick has been removed to University Hospital Limerick (UHL) for a post-mortem.

A State pathologist was in attendance at the Templegreen estate in the town of Newcastle West hours after the incident took place on Monday evening.

Her body was then removed to the morgue at UHL, and an autopsy into the the cause of the death of the woman in her 50s,  is taking place.

This will determine the course of the garda investigation.

It's understood the woman was originally from Ballinacurra Weston on the southside of Limerick city - around 40km away. She had moved in recent years to Newcastle West.

A number of reporters from media outlets nationally began to gather outside the two-storey residence from 10am this Tuesday to report on the news.

Residents woke to an eerie silence over the estate, located to the north of Newcastle West town centre, with locals said to be "in shock" at the discovery.

By 9.30am, only a lone garda stood watch over the house where the body was found, which remains sealed off.

A wheelie bin parked close to the front door gave a hint of life before the tragedy.

A small number of carefree children rode their bikes and played on the green area nearby, oblivious to the heartache being felt by many.

Local councillor Tom Ruddle said that there is "sadness and shock" in the town following the discovery.

Colourful bunches of flowers were delicately placed on the wall directly outside the home, a gesture by neighbours and friends coming to terms with the news.