Tributes have been paid to young mother-of-two Paula Canty who was found dead in her apartment in Mallow earlier this week.
The young woman was found with what is suspected to have been stabbing injuries at the Belfry on Bridewell Lane in the North Cork town at around 10.30am on Friday morning. It is understood that the case is being treated as a murder inquiry.
Ms Canty was due to celebrate her 32nd birthday tomorrow. She was a native of Kinsale who had moved to Mallow only recently.
Funeral details are being prepared as condolences are paid to her beloved mum Sinead, children Alyisha and Aoibhe, her family, relatives and a large circle of friends.
31-year-old mum Paula Canty is remembered as a ‘nice, harmless’ young woman
Tributes have flooded in for the young mum as she is remembered as ‘a lovely young lady’.
“Sincere sympathy to Paula’s Mum Sinead and Alisha and Aoibhe on Paula’s sad passing. Sincere sympathy also to Paula’s brothers and sisters. Always loved her visits to Kinsale Library. May Paula’s gentle soul rest in Heavenly Peace,” said one mourner.
Another added: “Sorry to hear of a lovely young lady passing away. Her whole life has been taking away from her And leaving a young family behind here Deepest sympathy to her mother and her kids and the rest of her family We will keep ye in our prayers at this sad time. May Paula rest in peace.”
A number of Ms Canty’s friends shared tributes on social media, with one person writing: “Omg I’m absolutely shocked writing this only seen u few weeks ago love such a sad world all young people passing way two soon. Rip Paula Canty one of the nicest harmless gurls u wud meet many a laff we had bure in the laundry and playing cards will hold them memories close gurl please god watch over her two children and her family.”
Another of Ms Canty’s friend wrote: “R.I.P Paula Canty. Cant Believe This. Spend time in the docus with you Thank god we wore never on bad terms. Your lIfe got robbed girl. Your safe now pal. Thinking of your family.”
Gardai are understood to be following a definite line of enquiry and investigating officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses to contact them. On Friday, Gardaí were conducting door to door enquiries and attempting to harvest CCTV footage from nearby businesses and premises.
Members of the public who have camera footage, including dashcam recordings, from the Bridewell Lane are between 9pm on Thursday and 10am Friday are asked to make it available to Gardaí. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Mallow Garda Station on 022 31450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Investigations are ongoing.
A postmortem examination on Ms Canty’s body was carried out by Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster on Saturday.