THE MURDER of Mrs Patricia Murphy brings to 10 the number of women who have been murdered or suffered violent deaths so far this year, more than the total for the whole of 1995.
Seven of the women killed this year have died in their homes.
Ms Martha Gilmore (86) was found dead with head injuries at her home in Greenisland, Co Antrim, on May 3rd.
In a house near the village of Coolrain, about five miles from Mountrath, Co Laois, Mrs Patti Bainbridge was found dead on May 6th.
Mrs Bainbridge, who was in her 60s lived in the old rectory with her husband, David. She is believed to have been, shot with a legally held .22 rifle.
Her son, Nigel, was charged with the murder of his mother at Portlaoise District Court on May 8th.
Mrs Angela Collins (49), of Ballingarry, Co Limerick, was found by gardai in a downstairs room of her house at Pound Street after being strangled, on May 7th.
Her husband, Mr Patrick Joseph Collins, an unemployed block layer, was subsequently charged with the unlawful killing of his wife.
Ms Martina Halligan (33) was stabbed to death in Darndale, Dublin, on May 4th.
Neighbours reported hearing an argument at Ms Halligan's home in Buttercup Way and seeing her pursued by a man who was said to be covered in blood.
They went to her aid and called an ambulance. However, she was dead on arrival at Beaumont Hospital.
Criminal proceedings are pending in relation to her death.
Ms Noeleen Cawley was stabbed to death at her home in Collery Drive, Sligo, on April 2nd. Her husband, Michael, later killed himself.
Ms Ann Marie Duffin was killed at her home in Blennerville, Tralee, Co Kerry, on April 15th. A 15 year old youth was charged with her murder.
Ms Sandra Tobin was killed in her home in Waterford city on March 15th.
Others who died were 13 year old Alison White, from Bundoran, Co Donegal, who was killed on April 14th. A local man was charged with her murder.
Ms Joyce Quinn was stabbed to death on January 23rd soon after leaving her shop in Milltown, Co Kildare. A 22 year old local man was charged with her murder.