‘Tough days to come’: Louth communities prepare for tragic O’Connor family funerals

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

The violent deaths of three people from one Louth family has had a “traumatic impact” on people living in the area, said a Louth councillor.

Speaking at the October meeting of Ardee Municipal District, Cllr. John Sheridan expressed condolences to the O’Connor family and communities in the nearby villages of Louth Village, Tallanstown and Stonetown following the “tragic events” on Monday morning.

Mark O'Connor (54), his wife Louise (56) and their 27-year-old son Evan O'Connor were found dead at their rural home in Drumgowna on Monday morning.

Robert O'Connor, 31, of Drumgowna, Louth Village, appeared before a special sitting of Drogheda District Court on Tuesday evening, charged with the murder of his parents and brother.

“It’s just been a tragic few days for the area, and there are more tough days to come,” said Cllr. Sheridan, adding that councillors had been united in solidarity with the community at a vigil held in the area.

Cllr. Rachel Kerley shared her own condolences, saying it had been “a very difficult couple of days in the area.”

Cllr. Pearse McGeough added his sympathies with the family and all in the surrounding mid-Louth villages, saying “It was a shocking event that took place in our municipal area...shocking for the O’Connor family, but also shocking for everyone in the Stonetown, Louth Village and Tallanstown.”

"I was at the vigil also, and it was great to see the community coming together. There are a lot of people traumatised by this event,” said Cllr. McGeough, adding that he hoped people were reaching out for support when they needed.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Dolores Minogue, said she wanted to be associated with all the condolences expressed, adding “There are no words.. such a very sad event to have happened. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.”

"On behalf of the Municipal District here we offer a deepest sympathies to the O’Connor family.”

While details of the funeral have yet to be finalised, the O’Connor family have asked, in lieu of sending flowers, the family have requested that donations be made to The Hub Praxis Care in Drogheda and Drogheda ABACUS School, reflecting Mark and Louise's care and generosity to others and the inspiration to many that Evan had become in his short but full life.

Over the coming days and when attending the viewing and funeral, mourners are requested to wear odd socks in honour of one of Evan's individualistic traits.