Gardaí investigating the double shooting of a couple in Co Roscommon say they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident. Paul Cullen reports
They believe Mr Brian Flynn shot his wife, Ann, with a legally-held shotgun and then turned the gun on himself.
The licence for the gun was renewed only two weeks ago.
Mr Flynn rang the ambulance service on Sunday evening to say a "terrible accident" had occurred, according to informed sources.
However, before the emergency services arrived, the couple's 26-year-old son, Brian, arrived at the house at about 7 p.m. and discovered the bodies. He then rang gardaí in a state of distress.
All the indications are that the incident was completely unexpected.
The Flynns, who were in their late 50s, had planned to take a holiday in Co Donegal next week, and Ms Flynn had arranged for a cousin to visit the house shortly before she was killed.
An aunt of Mr Flynn died two weeks ago.
Forensic experts from the Garda technical unit and the Assistant State Pathologist, Dr Declan Gilsenan, spent much of yesterday investigating the scene at the family farmhouse at Donamon, seven miles from Roscommon town.
Officers who knew the family and locals say they are baffled by the killings, and say they had no reason to suspect anything was wrong. The Flynns were a quiet, well-respected family with three grown-up children who were actively involved in the local community, they say.
While gardaí continued their investigation in the house, Brian and his brother, William, were comforted outside by friends and neighbours.
Shortly before 2 p.m., after Dr Gilsenan completed the post- mortem, the bodies were removed by a local undertaker.
Before the hearse left, Brother Michael Gibson, rector of the Divine Word Missionaries, led the mourners in a decade of the Rosary.
Insp Paul Glynn of Roscommon Garda station said he could not believe that "something like this" could have happened.
The Flynns were a typical family and there was nothing in their background to suggest why the incident happened.
"Something" had happened in the house that resulted in the death of both people, but no-one else was involved, he said.
It was "highly unlikely" that the Garda would be talking to anyone else about the crime.
Insp Glynn said a discharged shotgun had been found beside Mr Flynn's body at the back door.
The cause of death of Ms Flynn, whose body was discovered in the kitchen, had still to be confirmed definitively.
He also asked the media to allow the family space to grieve properly. Neighbours, who asked not to be identified, said the community was in a state of shock. Senator Terry Leyden (FF), said people were "absolutely stunned" at the news.
"A dark cloud has descended over Donamon. These were decent, hard-working people and good neighbours.
"The Flynns were a very conscientious couple and no-one can even imagine the tragedy that must have occurred in their house."
Mr Flynn worked in construction for Road Marking Services Ltd and also worked part-time as a doorman in Rockford's nightclub in the Royal Hotel in Roscommon town. His farm was leased to another local farmer.
He worked in Rockford's on Saturday night and had arranged for a replacement while he was on holiday. He watched the All-Ireland semi-final in a local pub on Sunday before returning home.
Ms Flynn went almost daily to Mass at Dunamon Castle, the headquarters of the Divine Word Missionaries, opposite her house.
Neighbours say she was at Sunday Mass as usual.
One woman who talked to her said the dead woman had seemed normal and had not expressed any worries.
Their son, Brian, who recently returned from Australia, trained as a computer engineer but is currently working in a local pub. He is active in the local Oran GAA club.
The couple's other son, Raymond, lives in Donegal, while a married daughter, Maria, lives in Sligo.