Man arrested in connection with Killybegs death

A man has been arrested in connection with the death of Eddie Friel in Killybegs.

The man, who is in his 60s, was arrested on Monday morning.

Detectives are continuing their investigations into the sudden death Mr Friel, who was also in his 60s.

The arrested man is being detained at a garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

“Investigation ongoing,” a Garda spokesperson said.

The body of Mr Friel, who was aged in his 60s, was found at Harbour View Drive at around 12.20pm on Sunday.

The bungalow, in the usually-quiet estate less than one kilometre from the centre of the south Donegal fishing port, was sealed off by gardai.

Mr Friel lived alone in the estate and gardai began door-to-door enquiries on Sunday afternoon following the discovery of his body. 

Detectives from Ballyshannon Garda Station, the district headquarters, are leading the probe into the sudden death of Mr Friel, which has plunged the area into shock.

“It’s certainly not the norm in Killybegs,” said Killybegs-based County Councillor Niamh Kennedy, the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council. 

A Garda forensics team moved into the property just before 10pm on Sunday and worked on into the night.

The scene had been preserved to enable a technical examination to take place and the body remained at the scene.

“It’s like something off the tv and definitely not like something we expect to see in Killybegs,” one neighbour said. 

Another resident said: “It’s just heartbreaking, God love the poor man. It’s such a shock”

It is expected that a post-mortem will take place today.

The alarm was raised early on Sunday afternoon and gardai and emergency services responded to a report of man found unresponsive at a residence.

The man was pronounced deceased at the scene a short time later. 

A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and those with information to come forward.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballyshannon Garda Station on 071 9858530, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”