LISTEN: Three men from one family found dead in Co Cork in suspected murder suicide

By James Ward and Rebecca Black, PA

A father and two sons have been found dead in what is being treated as a suspected murder-suicide.

On Monday, the body of a man in his 20s was found in a bedroom of a property at Assolas, Kanturk, in north-east Co Cork.

The bodies of another man in his 20s and a man in his 50s were later found on adjoining land.

The men have been named locally as brothers Diarmuid and Mark O’Sullivan and father Tadgh.

Garda Superintendent Adrian Gamble confirmed all three were from one family, and all had suffered gunshot wounds.

He said gardai had been alerted to a “critical firearms incident” at around 6.30am on Monday.

He added: “A short time earlier, a female in her 60s alerted neighbours that a firearm had been discharged at her home.

“Gardai were then informed that three males were present in the house, and that one may have suffered gunshot wounds.

“Throughout the course of the morning and early afternoon, Garda negotiators attempted to make contact with people that may have been in the house.

“Shortly after 1pm, members of the emergency response unit approached the house and sadly, the body of a male in his 20s, with a gunshot wound was discovered in a bedroom. No other people were present.”

The two other bodies were later found on adjoining land.

Mr Gamble said a number of firearms were found at the scene and seized.

Superintendent Adrian Gamble says the alarm was raised by a woman who lived at the house.

He added: “Preliminary indications show that both men had suffered tragic gunshot wounds. I confirm that all three deceased men were from the one family.”

Local representatives said the tragedy had left the community “numb.”

Fianna Fail councillor Pat Hayes said: “It’s a tragedy for the family. Our thoughts, sympathies and prayers go out to them at this very difficult time.

“It has come as a real shock to the community. We’re a very close knit community here and to be honest with you, every one is just numb.”

Fine Gael councillor John Paul O’Shea said: “Everyone is deeply saddened and shocked by this tragedy.

“My thoughts go out to the family and the wider community of Castlemagner and Kanturk as they come to terms with this unimaginable loss.

“There is a strong and determined community spirit in Castlemagner and the community there I know will rally around their families, neighbours and friends in the coming days as they deal with this tragic loss.”

Gardai indicated on Monday that they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.

Officers were at the address from 6.30am on Monday after a woman in her 60s raised the alarm that firearms may have been discharged at her home.

They initiated their critical firearms incident response, and negotiators attempted to make contact with anyone in the property during the morning.

After 1pm, officers approached the house where they found the first body with gunshots wounds.

An aerial search revealed the other two bodies.

A Garda spokesman said preliminary indications suggest both of those had gunshot wounds.

A full investigation has been launched, and the state pathologist and the Garda Technical Bureau are to visit both scenes.

The Garda spokesman added: “An Garda Siochana is not looking for any other persons in connection with this incident at this time.”

However an appeal has been made for witnesses or information, with anyone who may be able to assist asked to contact investigating gardai at Mallow Garda Station on 022 31450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.