Gardai launch investigation following discovery of woman's body in rural town

GARDAI have launched an investigation this Monday evening after a woman's body was discovered in County Limerick.

The discovery was made just after five o'clock this evening at the Templegreen estate in the town of Newcastle West.

The body of the woman, who was aged in her early 50s, remains at the scene which is currently preserved for a technical examination.

The office of the State Pathologist has been notified and a post-mortem examination will be arranged, the results of which will determine the course of the garda investigation.

Reacting to the news, the chairman of the the Limerick Joint Policing Committee Adam Teskey said: "My sympathies are with the deceased.

"A life has been lost here. Obviously I want to express my deep sorrow for the community, and my support to the gardai and in terms of their investigation which will be ongoing. Hopefully this will be brought to a timely end."

Newcastle West-based councillor Michael Collins added: "It's just tragic, and devastating news for our community. My sympathies go to all involved."