Gardaí have commenced a criminal investigation into the death of a man in unexplained circumstances in Cork city.
The 28-year-old man, who was named locally as Colm Casey from Keel in Macroom, was discovered unconscious outside a house at Eagle Valley in Wilton in the early hours of Saturday morning.
It is understood that gardaí and emergency services were called to the scene following reports of an unconscious male outside a residence.
He was taken to Cork University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The scene at Eagle Valley has been preserved for a technical examination.
Mr Casey, who was a past pupil of De La Salle College in Macroom, had earlier been in the company of several of his friends.
A post-mortem has since been completed, the results of which will not be released for operational purposes.
"The criminal investigation into this matter is still ongoing," gardaí confirmed.
Local priest in Macroom Father John Keane said that there were "no words" for the tragedy suffered by the Casey family.
"It is shocking. There are no words for it at all. In any circumstances it is not right for a family to bury a son or daughter.
"When I go to the family there is nothing I can say only be as compassionate as I can be. We will walk with them and support them."
Local Fine Gael Councillor Ted Lucey extended his condolences to the Casey family on the tragic loss of Colm.
"I knew Colm through Macroom GAA. He was a nice footballer and a quiet boy. I feel very sorry for his family and friends. He was a good footballer. He played quite a bit of underage football."
Macroom Fine Gael Councillor Michael Creed said it was "devastating" for the family and friends of a "a very nice young fella."
"It is devastating for his family and his lifelong friends. He (Colm) comes from a farming background in Keel in Macroom. It is just unbelievable news."
An incident room has been established in Togher Garda Station. Anyone with information is asked to contact gardai on 021 4947120.
Additional reporting Paschal Sheehy
