Man arrested over murder of Paul O'Connor in County Cork

Gardaí arrested a man in his 30s on Monday evening in connection with the murder of Paul O'Connor in County Cork, Irish media reported. The arrest was reported by the Irish Examiner, RTÉ, and the Irish Times. Mr O'Connor, who was 56 years old and from the Ballyphehane area of Cork city, was found dead last Thursday afternoon. [1][4][5]

The body of Mr O'Connor was discovered near the River Blackwater at Ballyellis, about two kilometres from Mallow, around 1.30pm on Thursday, according to the Irish Examiner and RTÉ. As FTMQ News reported earlier, gardaí suspect the killing may have been a professional execution. The Irish Examiner reported that Mr O'Connor suffered gunshot wounds that may have been delivered at close range, while the Irish Times understood that he suffered two gunshot wounds. [1][4][5][10]

RTÉ reported that Mr O'Connor is believed to have travelled by train from Kent Train Station in Cork city to Mallow Train Station on Wednesday evening, arriving after 7.20pm. The Irish Examiner reported that investigators are appealing for witnesses and camera footage in the area near the Waste Water treatment plant at Ballyellis. [1][4]

The suspect in his 30s remains in garda custody as the investigation continues, according to reports from the Irish Examiner and RTÉ. [1][4]