Gardaí investigate death of Co Offaly publican

Around 100 gardaí have been drafted into the investigation of the death of a Co Offaly publican who was found tied to a chair this morning.

Matt Farrell (64) was found in the downstairs area of his pub, The Gaelic Arms, in Daingean by his son Matthew at around 7.30am. Both father and son lived in an area off the pub.

A preliminary investigation was carried out by the deputy state pathologist Dr Michael Curtis this afternoon and the results may not be available until tomorrow.

It is understood, however, that there was no signs that Mr Farrell was assaulted and he may have died of a heart attack after he was tied up.

Garda spokesman Superintendent John Gilligan said senior gardaí from headquarters along with local officers, the Garda Technical Bureau and officers from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation are involved to determining how Mr Farrell died.

He said the Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy has become personally involved in the investigation reflecting the seriousness of the crime.

“He (the commissioner) has been in constant touch with the senior officers here to ensure all the necessary resources have been deployed to assist in the investigation,” he said.

“We have in relation to every aspect, from technical to air support and division search team over 100 people involved.

“We in the Garda Siochana believe the protection of life and property comes before everything else. We immediately have to adopt an approach that every possible resource is given to this investigation,” he said.