A woman stabbed to death at her home has been named locally as Annie Heyneman (50s).
Ms Heyneman’s body was discovered at her home, in a rural area near Ballyconnell, Co Cavan by gardaí at around 9.30pm last night. It is understood she was stabbed several times.
Her husband Henk, who is originally from the Netherlands, was seriously injured in the horror attack and remains in a serious but stable condition in Cavan General Hospital.
A man in his 30s was arrested at a separate location and is being questioned at a garda station in Cavan.
A murder investigation is underway.
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Locals have paid tribute to Ms Heyneman, who was a care worker from the area, as they anxiously await updates on the condition of her husband.
Neighbours in the quiet rural townland, who woke up to the news this morning, spoke of their shock.
One woman, who lives nearby, said: “It was very scary. There was gardaí and ambulances and fire brigades up the lane, and we did not know what was happening for a long time.”
Another neighbour said: “They are lovely people, very friendly, and well known in the area.”
Gardaí at the scene near Ballyconnell, Co Cavan (Picture: Gerry Mooney)
Local councillor John Paul Feeley said the tragedy has shocked the local community as he paid tribute to those close to the woman’s family.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time. It is a shock not just for those who knew them well, but for the wider community,” he said.
“This is a very rural, close knit community. For something like this to happen is a huge shock to everyone.”
A man in his 30s remains in garda custody under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. He is being held at a garda station in Cavan.
A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out on the body of Ms Heyneman.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. A technical examination has been carried out at the house.
The investigation is being led from an incident room at Cavan Garda Station. A senior investigating officer and family liaison officer will be appointed in due course.
A garda spokesperson said: “Anyone who travelled in the area of Kilnavert, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan, last night, Saturday 11th January 2025, between 8.30pm and 9.30pm, is asked to provide gardaí with any available camera footage, including dashcam recordings.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cavan Garda Station on (049) 436 8800, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”