Victim: Brigid Maguire
Gardai have arrested a man in connection with the murder of a woman whose body was discovered on Saturday night.
The unnamed man was detained by gardai yesterday evening in connection with the murder of Brigid Maguire, a 43-year-old care assistant from Main Street, Ballynacargy, Co Westmeath.
Her body was discovered on Saturday night at about 9.30pm by her daughter who raised the alarm.
The results of a post-mortem examination were passed on to gardai who subsequently launched a murder investigation.
A 53-year-old man was arrested in Mullingar and is currently detained at Mullingar Garda Station under the provisions of Section 4 of The Criminal Justice Act 1984.
An incident room has been established at Mullingar Garda Station, gardai said.
They are appealing to any members of the public who may have seen anything unusual or suspicious in or around the Ballynacargy area between 5pm and 10pm on Saturday (14th) to contact Mullingar Garda Station on 044-9384000, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
Locals last night expressed their shock at the news, with Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy, who lives in the town, describing Ms Maguire as "a proud mother" and "a hard worker".
"I knew the lady well. Our community is deeply shocked at the untimely death of a young, vibrant woman, who worked hard, was a good mother, a good family person and we are really very shocked," Mr Troy told the Irish Independent.
"Our condolences and our thoughts and our prayers are with her family, her son and daughter, and her extended family, brothers and sisters," he added.
"It just goes to show you how precious life is.
"She was a very, very proud mother. Her children were the apple of her eye. She was an exceptionally good lady. It's just a premature end to a good life," he added.