Thurles has been shocked by the deaths of a retired garda, Mr Bill Doherty (58), and his wife, Theresa (49), whose bodies were found at their home in Monadreen, Co Tipperary, on Monday night.
The bodies of the couple, who had three adult sons, Martin, Colin and Keith, were removed from the scene at 2 p.m. yesterday following examination by the Assistant State Pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy.
They were taken to Nenagh General Hospital where postmortems were performed.
Mr Doherty, a native of Co Limerick, had retired from the force last September after a career spanning more than 30 years. He had served in the town of Thurles since the 1960s, and his former colleagues were yesterday deeply shocked by the double tragedy.
Locals said the Dohertys were friendly people and exceptional neighbours. Chief Supt Liam Harris summed up the mood of Thurles when he said the deaths were a terrible tragedy and a great shock to the people of the town; both had been popular and respected and lived in the crime-free suburban area of Monadreen.
Neighbours in the maple- and copper-beech-lined estate yesterday talked about the appalling occurrence of Monday night. Mrs Peggy Hull, who lived next door to the couple, said she was heartbroken by the news. The Dohertys had, she said, been concerned for her; they were perfect neighbours who would be sadly missed. Mrs Hull only heard of the two deaths yesterday morning. She had been frightened to leave her home, but gardai had given assurances that people were not at risk.
Mrs Hull said Mr Doherty was often seen out walking his dog. He was always willing to lend a hand if required. Her abiding memory would be of the kindness and consideration the couple had shown her.
Mrs Hull's brother, Mr Joe Fanning of Castletown, Thurles, said the Dohertys were two of the nicest people one could meet. They had been a terrific couple.
Mrs Doherty was a native of Thurles, where her mother, Madeleine, still lives, and she had supervised study periods in the local Ursuline Convent. Her father, the late Andy Hopkins, who had a well-boring and pump-repair business, died within the past 12 months. Friends of the dead woman had been planning a surprise 50th birthday party for her shortly.
