Man held in custody as gardai investigate killing of teenage girl

A small north Co Clare community was left shocked last night by the killing of a 17-year-old Ennistymon girl, named locally as Marguerite O'Dwyer.

Shortly before 3 p.m. yesterday, a 19-year-old man walked into the local Garda station to tell of her death.

The Leaving Cert student died from serious head injuries after being hit with a blunt instrument to the head, according to Supt Seán Corcoran of Ennistymon Garda Station.

Marguerite's violent death took place while her parents, Paddy and Claire, were on holiday in Spain. Last night the two were making arrangements to come home after being informed by gardaí of their daughter's death.

After a search of the O'Dwyer family home on the outskirts of Ennistymon yesterday, gardaí recovered what they believe may be the weapon used in the killing.

A man was arrested under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. However, gardaí last night still had not interviewed the 19-year-old as he was transferred to Ennis General Hospital 20 miles away for treatment for minor head injuries.

Supt Corcoran said gardaí were not looking for anyone else in relation to the death of the 17-year-old girl.

Supt Corcoran added: "The girl's death may have occurred a couple of hours prior to the gardaí being informed of her death, but the post-mortem by Dr Maire Cassidy will determine the time of death."

Marguerite attended school at Scoil Mhuire in Ennistymon.

Last night, Marguerite's body was removed from the family home to the Midwestern Regional Hospital in Limerick, where the post-mortem by the State Pathologist, Dr Maire Cassidy, is to take place.

Marguerite was the youngest in the family. She had one sister and one brother. The O'Dwyers run a small farm on land adjoining their home.

Chief Supt Liam Quinn said last night: "It is a terrible tragedy for this area. It is a quiet town and wouldn't be used to anything like this."