Gardaí investigating the murder of a woman in north Co Dublin this morning have appealed to the public for information.
Speaking at a press conference at Clontarf Garda Station this evening, Supt John Gilligan of the Garda Press Office said officers arrived at a house on Windate Road on Howth Head shortly after 10am.
They were responding to a 999 call that was made to the Fire Brigade. Gardaí discovered the woman in her 40s in a comatose condition, lying in the back patio area of the house.
The woman was given first aid at the scene and was taken to Beaumont Hospital where she was pronounced dead shorly afterwards.
The woman has been named as Celine Cawley, managing director of Toytown Productions, a commercial production company. Her husband, Eamonn Lillis, is a producer with the same company, and the couple have a teenage daughter.
Supt Gilligan refused to confirm reports that a robbery had been reported. He also would not reveal the nature of the injuries that Ms Cawley suffered at the detached bungalow, which sits in a quiet area of the Hill of Howth.
He said gardaí are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who may have seen a man wearing a balaclava run from the back of the house, through the garden and down to the Carrickbrack road area.
“We know, from what we’ve heard, the man ran from down the back garden of the house, out onto a laneway, and may have made his way in any direction after that but in particular the Windgate Road-Carrickbrack Road area,” Supt Gilligan said.
The man is reported to be in his late 20s or early 30s and of slight, but of strong build.
“The whole area is a quiet residential area, and anyone who have been out may have seen something . . . it’s a place that is frequented by a lot of people who walk for execrise . . . and there’s always a chance somebody may have seen something.
“We’re keeping a very open mind on the situation and are just trying to gather as much information as possible about all the circumstances of this woman’s death.”
According to Supt Gilligan, the scene in the summit area of Howth has been sealed off, and a gardaí, who are carrying out house-to-house enquiries, will maintain a heavy presence over the next few days.
Supt Gilligan said there would be a heavy garda presence in the area overnight and officers are currently conducting door-to-door inquiries.
The house and the road have been sealed off pending a forensic examination. The State Pathologist has also been requested to carry out an examination of the scene and a formal post mortem examination will take place tomorrow.
The detached bungalow is located in an upmarket area of the Hill of Howth.
Local Fine Gael Councillor Joan Maher said she was “stunned and shocked” by the attack. Ms Maher said: “I know the area well…it’s an absolutely lovely area which at the best of times is extremely quiet.
“It’s a dreadful tragedy to occur at any time but especially at Christmas…I’m sad for her daughter,” she added.
David Healy of the Green Party also said he was “shocked at what had happened” and he offered his sympathy to the family.
Gardaí can be contacted at Clontarf Garda Station on 01-6664833.