A murder investigation is under way after the body of a woman was discovered at a house in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, on Sunday afternoon.
Emergency services were alerted to the incident at St Joseph's Park shortly after midday on Sunday.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, and her body was taken to University Hospital Limerick.
She has been named as Joan Ray, aged in her 80s.
A post-mortem examination was carried out by the State pathologist yesterday, the results of which are not being released for operational reasons.
The scene was preserved for a technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau who remain there this afternoon.
A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the murder investigation and an incident room has been set up at Nenagh Garda Station.
A garda family liaison officer has been assigned to support the family of Ms Ray.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward, particularly those who were in the St Joseph's Park area between 8pm on Saturday and midday on Sunday.
Anyone with video footage, including motorists with dashcams, are asked to provide it to the investigation team.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station, the Garda Confidential Line or any garda station.
Local Councillor Ryan O'Meara said the town is "shocked" over the incident.
Cllr O’Meara said Ms Ray was "one of those individuals in any rural town or local town that is just part of the community and pretty much known by all, really liked and respected".
"Nenagh is a tight knit community and we're shocked at her passing and she really is part of what it means to be from Nenagh. Anyone that walks around the town knows Joan. My thoughts go out to her and all of her family," he added.
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