'Deep sadness' as mother, father and son die in Ireland

A couple who were found dead alongside their adult son in County Louth were "passionate advocates" for autism support services, a special school has said.

They were Mark and Louise O'Connor, a couple their 50s, and their son Evan who was in his 20s and was autistic.

A man in his 30s is still under arrest after the three bodies were found at the family's home in Dromgowna, outside Tallanstown village, on Monday morning.

Mr and Mrs O'Connor helped to set up Drogheda Abacas Special School, where Evan was a former pupil, and the school expressed "deep sadness" at their deaths.

"Both Mark and Louise were instrumental in the setting up of Drogheda Abacas and many, many families owe them a debt of gratitude," the school's statement added.

Post-mortem examinations will be carried out later on Tuesday to establish the cause of the deaths.

The scene has been cordoned off as it is understood they were attacked violently.

However, the justice minister has already said gardaí (Irish police) are not looking for anyone else over the incident and there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Gardaí, including an armed response unit, were called to the house shortly before 10:00 local time on Monday.

The property is on a rural road in Drumgowna near the villages of Killanny, Louth and Tallanstown and is close to the County Louth/County Monaghan border.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ said it understood the bodies were found by a staff member who had called to the family's home to take Evan to a day care centre.

It also said gardaí had ruled out the use of a firearm during the incident.

Mr and Mrs O'Connor actively campaigned for better services for autistic people in their community.

In 2003, they were among a small group of parents who helped to set up Drogheda Abacas Special School in County Louth and Evan was one of its first pupils.

On its Facebook page, staff at the school paid tribute to the family, expressing the "deepest sadness" over their deaths.

"Evan attended Abacas for 14 years. He grew up with us," the school said.

It added that Mr and Mrs O'Connor were "passionate advocates for their son Evan and for all autistic people".

"They campaigned, lobbied and fundraised for the school and youth clubs and will always be remembered for their legacy to Abacas and to autistic people."

It said Mr O'Connor was also a board member of Autism Support Louth and Meath and worked as a "professional advocate for the rights of people with disabilities".

RTÉ's Marc O'Driscoll told the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme the O'Connors were a "well-known and highly regarded family" who played an active role in the community.

"Mr O'Connor worked for the National Advocacy Service which provides support for people with disabilities," he said.

"Mrs O'Connor frequently raised money for charities and also promoted volunteerism in parts of the developing world."

In addition to charity work, Mrs O'Connor was a carer for her son Evan.

The reporter added that Mr O'Connor was a "keen runner" who had taken part in marathons and the family were involved with their local park run.

North East Runners Dundalk, of which Mr O'Connor was a member, expressed "immense sadness and shock" over the family's deaths.

"His commitment to the sport was an inspiration to us all," the club said in a statement.

It added that his "kindness and spirit enriched our entire community" and his family would be "deeply missed by all your club mates".

The club said it would be "organising a way for members to come together and support one another in the coming days".

Gardaí have set up an Incident Room at Ardee Garda Station and have appealed for anyone with information about the deaths to contact them.

They have also appointed a family liaison officer to support relatives of the deceased and and keep them informed about the investigation.