The deaths of an elderly couple in Co Cork are being treated by gardaí as a tragedy.
Gardaí were alerted to an incident at a residence in Glounthaune village, 7km east of Cork city, yesterday evening.
The bodies of the man and woman, who were both aged in their 80s, were found by a neighbour at the bottom of the stairs of their terraced house at around 5pm.
Investigating gardaí have ruled out foul play but are keeping an open mind on the cause of death, pending the results of post-mortem examinations which are due to get under way at Cork University Hospital.
A team of Garda Forensic Scene Investigators are currently carrying out an examination at the house.
The elderly couple have been named locally as Michael and Ann O'Sullivan.
The couple are local and well known in the area. Prayers were said for them at Mass this morning.
One local resident said that the deaths were a real tragedy, especially in a close-knit community like Glounthaune.
"I just feel sorry for the family that has this news this morning. It is every family's nightmare, really. May they rest in peace," she said.
