Death of woman after row investigated

GARDAÍ INVESTIGATING the death of a woman in Dublin city centre at the weekend are keen to speak to a woman in her 20s about the incident.

The 51-year-old victim, named locally as Phyllis Black, is believed to have been involved in an altercation outside a fast food takeaway on Parnell Street at 3.20am on Sunday.

She was found dead in a flat at Liberty House flats complex on Railway Street in the north inner city at about 7pm.

Gardaí believe Ms Black and some friends she had been socialising with had gone into a takeaway on Parnell Street at about 3.15am.

It is understood there was an exchange with a second group who left the takeaway before Ms Black and her friends.

Gardaí believe Ms Black and a female member of the other group had an altercation outside the takeaway during which she either fell or was knocked to the ground and banged her head.

It is understood she went to the Mater hospital, but left in a taxi before receiving treatment.

She was discovered in her home later that day by a relative who was concerned about her welfare when she had not been in contact. Ms Black, who was one of 12 siblings, had been suffering from a long-term illness.

Her neighbours yesterday expressed shock at her death, describing her as a good friend and a devoted family woman.

Gardaí investigating the circumstances surrounding her death have examined the scene of the Sunday morning altercation along with Ms Black’s home.

Closed-circuit television footage from the area near the takeaway has also been viewed in an attempt to establish what happened.

A Garda spokesman appealed to a woman in her 20s who was part of the second group to come forward.

The woman was wearing a dark jacket, a black mini-skirt or shorts, dark tights and a sparkling pink top, and she was carrying a black shoulder bag.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Store Street Garda station on 01-6668000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111, or any Garda station.