DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Hero’s welcome for returning Kate O’Connor
Make Way Day takes place in Dundalk
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Local LGBTQ families highlighted in Sarah-Jane’s new book Page 8
Wednesday, 1st October, 2025. Vol. 18, Issue 40 • 9A, Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth
Shock as three family members found dead Tel: 042 932 0888 | Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com
By Paul Byrne
SHORTLY before 10am yesterday, in the small townland of Drumgowna, close to Stonetown and about fifteen minutes outside Dundalk, Gardaí received a call to attend at a domestic residence. On arrival at the house, uniform Gardaí discovered Mark O’Connor (54), Louise O’Connor (56) and their son Evan O’Connor, (27) deceased. It is believed that all three people were violently attacked and sustained fatal injuries. A male in his 30’s was arrested shortly afterwards close to the scene and remains in custody at a Garda Station in Louth under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. The bodies were
found by a carer who had called to the house to collect Evan and bring him to a day care centre in Drogheda. The O’Connor family are a very well-known and respected family locally. They were described as good neighbours and an integral part of the community in Drumgowna and wider area of Louth and Monaghan. Mark was a regional manager for the National Advocacy Service which provides support for people with disabilities while Louise O’Connor was a qualified nurse, who taught English to Ukrainian people living in Ireland. She also volunteered in pet rescue centres. Their autistic son Evan lived with them in the rural townland of Drumgowna. Continued on Page 2
GARDAÍ ARREST MALE(30s) FOLLOWING HOMICIDE INCIDENT
Evan O’Connor with his parents Mark O’Connor and Louise O’Connor. All three were found dead at their home in Drumgowna on Monday morning.