Paul O'Connor, 56, shot in head and found dead on River Blackwater bank in Mallow

Paul O'Connor, 56, from Ballyphehane, Cork City, was found dead near the River Blackwater in Mallow. Gardaí have launched a murder investigation.

Cork man found shot dead near River Blackwater as murder probe launched

Paul O'Connor, 56, from Ballyphehane in Cork City, was shot in the head before his body was discovered on the banks of the River Blackwater in Mallow, thesun.ie can reveal.

O'Connor's remains were found in undergrowth close to a walkway in Ballyellis, Mallow, at approximately 1:30pm on Thursday 15th October 2026, by a member of the public walking their dog along the riverbank on the Killavullen side.

Gardaí confirmed that evening that a murder investigation had been launched and that an Incident Room had been established at Mallow Garda Station.

Victim's last known movements traced to train journey

Investigators believe O'Connor travelled from Kent Train Station in Cork city to Mallow Train Station on Wednesday 14th October, arriving shortly after 7:20pm.

A Garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí in Mallow have commenced a murder investigation into the discovery of the body of an adult male in Ballyellis, Mallow, Co. Cork on Thursday 15th October 2026 at 1:30pm."

"The male was discovered on the banks of the River Blackwater at a townland known as Ballyellis which is on the edge of Mallow Town, on the Killavullen Road."

The deceased was described as wearing a dark green hooded jacket, khaki-coloured combats, and black runners at the time he was last seen.

Gardaí appeal for witnesses along train route and river area

Gardaí appealed directly to anyone who travelled on the train between Kent Train Station and Mallow Train Station on the evening of Wednesday 14th October, arriving around 7:20pm, to come forward.

The spokesperson continued: "Gardaí are interested in speaking with anyone who was in the vicinity of Mallow town between 7:20pm on Wednesday 14th October and 1:30pm on Thursday 15th October 2026 and who may have seen this male."

Anyone who was near the banks of the River Blackwater at Ballyellis, close to Mallow Golf Club, during that same window is also urged to contact investigating Gardaí. Road users or pedestrians with camera or dash-cam footage from the area are asked to make that material available.

Members of the Garda Water Unit attended the scene, and O'Connor's remains were subsequently removed to the morgue at Cork University Hospital following the completion of a technical examination.

Post-mortem carried out; results withheld

A post-mortem was conducted by Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster at Cork University Hospital. Gardaí said the results would not be released for "operational reasons."

It is believed the body had not been in the area for a lengthy period before it was discovered.

A family liaison officer has been appointed to support O'Connor's relatives, and Gardaí confirmed that investigations remain ongoing.

Local councillor expresses concern over rising crime

Local Fine Gael Councillor Liam Madden said his thoughts were with the deceased's family.

"This poor person. They no doubt have a family. And you would have to think — was the body just dumped there?" Madden said. "Unfortunately we seem to have a lot of crime in the country. I don't know how we are going to combat it. Too many families are being affected."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mallow Garda Station on (022) 31450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)