Man remanded over Longford murder

A man (19) has been remanded in custody in connection with the murder of Longford woman Sharon Coughlan.

A man (19) has been remanded in custody in connection with the murder of Longford woman Sharon Coughlan.

The man, who was arrested yesterday, appeared at a special sitting of Longford District Court tonight.

Ms Coughlan (38) was found strangled in the bathroom of a house in Longford town last Saturday night, just a few doors away from where she lived with her two children, aged 10 and five, and her partner.

Gardaí said it is believed she may have disturbed her killers during an attempted robbery and was taken from the street to the unoccupied house in Great Water Street.

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Gardaí have found a key to the house. Her mobile phone was stolen during the incident.

Contrary to previous reports, gardaí now believe Ms Coughlan did not know her killer or killers.

A man (28) and a woman (29) who were arrested yesterday in connection with the murder have been  freed without charge. Files are being sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Ms Coughlan, originally from the United Kingdom, was a barmaid in the town and had lived in Longford for more than 20 years.