The victim, named locally as Noreen Daly, was aged 81. She lived alone at Ardsallagh, a rural area on the border with Co Cork.

It is understood that a local person, concerned for her welfare, contacted gardaí at around 2pm on Monday.

Ms Daly suffered a violent death at her home, suffering multiple injuries.

The attack happened early on Monday or, possibly, over the weekend.

Gardaí arrested a man from the general area on Tuesday in connection with the investigation. The 33-year-old knew the woman but was not related to her.

It is understood Ms Daly is originally from Grenagh, Co Cork[/utl], but lived most of her life with her husband, Michael, in Monkstown, south county Dublin.

They had a holiday home in Ardsallagh, where her husband, who was originally from the nearby town of Dungarvan, spent much of his youth. The couple did not have children.

Her husband died in late 2023 and Ms Daly is believed to have recently sold her house in Dublin and moved permanently to Ardsallagh about eight weeks ago. She was active in the local area.

Forensic examination 

The crime scene was sealed off and objects were taken away for forensic tests. A technical examination was conducted at the house.

Gardaí were told by local people that they saw the suspect driving in Ms Daly’s car on Monday and possibly beforehand.

Gardaí also received reports of the suspect having disputes or “falling outs” with people in the area, though sources said they were not violent.

It is thought that there might have been some concern about the recent “stability” of the suspect.

An autopsy was carried out on Tuesday at University Hospital Waterford.

The suspect was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, which allows for a maximum period of detention of 24 hours, excluding sleep breaks.

Senior officers were in contact with the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding the evidence gathered and what, if anything, was said by the suspect during interviews.

'A lovely friendly woman'  

Waterford Fine Gael councillor Pat Nugent said: “Noreen was a lovely, friendly woman. She was also a wonderful singer with a strong interest in opera.”

In a Facebook post, Clashmore and Kinsalebeg Community Council said Noreen was “very much involved in the local community” including traditional music, Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, Ardmore Choir, and tai chi.

“Noreen was 81 but she would not like to be described as elderly,” it said.