‘I am absolutely heartbroken’: Brother of Mark O’Connor pays tribute to Tallanstown tragedy family

The bodies of Mark, Louise and Evan were discovered at their home on Monday morning

The brother of the late Mark O’Connor has said he is “absolutely heartbroken” following the deaths of three of his family members in a at their Co Louth home earlier this week.

The bodies of Mark, 54, his wife Louise O’Connor, who was 56, and their son Evan, who was 27, and who had additional needs, were discovered at the family’s home in Dromgowna, outside Tallanstown village, on Monday morning.

Mark and Louise’s son, Robert O’Connor, of Drumgowna, Louth Village, appeared before Judge Stephanie Coggans at a special sitting of Drogheda District Court on Tuesday evening, charged with three counts of murder.

In an emotional message posted on social media, Chris O’Connor paid tribute to his “beautiful and brilliant brother” Mark along with his “lovely” sister-in-law and “amazing” nephew as he thanked the public for their support in the wake of Monday’s tragedy.

“It is with profound sadness that I share this news of my beautiful and brilliant brother Mark, my lovely sister-in-law Louise, and my amazing nephew Evan,” he wrote.

“I am absolutely heartbroken. I am also grateful for all of your lovely messages which give comfort to my soul.”

In a death notice shared on RIP.ie on Tuesday, family members requested that “people be respectful of their privacy” at this time, as they thanked the public for their “patience allowing the family time and space.” The family said funeral arrangements will be made in time.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community, with tributes continuing to pour in for the well-known and popular family, who are understood to have lived in the area for the past 20 years.

Mark was a board member of Autism Support Louth and Meath, and his wife Louise was a nurse who taught English to Ukrainian people living in Ireland, while she also volunteered in pet rescue centres.

In a statement on social media, Drogheda Abacas Special School paid tribute to Mark and Louise as “founder parents” and Evan as one of its first two pupils.

“It was with the deepest sadness that we heard the news today of the sudden passing of Mark, Louise and Evan O’Connor,” said a spokesperson for the school.

“Mark and Louise were founder parents of the Drogheda ABACAS Special School and Evan one of the first two children to attend ABACAS on day 1.

“Both Mark and Louise were passionate advocates for their son Evan and for all autistic people. Mark was a board member of Autism Support Louth and Meath and was a professional advocate for the rights of people with disabilities in his career.

“Both Mark and Louise were instrumental in the setting up of Drogheda ABACAS and many, many families owe them a debt of gratitude.

“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.

“Evan attended ABACAS for 14 years. He grew up with us. There are so many moments to remember so many stories from school and club we will tell each other especially over the next few weeks.

“Mark, Louise and Evan will always remain part of the ABACAS Family. May they Rest in Peace. Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to all family and friends.”

Mark joined the National Advocacy Service in 2021 and was Regional Manager in the Midlands North East Region, with his co-workers remembering him as “a kind, thoughtful and valued colleague” who “made a lasting impact o all of those he supported”.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of our colleague, Mark O’Connor, his wife Louise and their son Evan,” Joanne Condon, National Manager of NAS, said in a statement.

“We want to share our deepest sympathies with their families and friends, our colleagues in the National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities and those people who Mark supported so well and worked with over the years.

“Mark was a kind, thoughtful and valued colleague. He was widely respected and was a much-loved member of our Senior Leadership Team.

“Mark was known to us all as a true gentleman in the way he treated those around him. His warmth, generosity of spirit and professionalism touched countless lives within our workplace and beyond. He brought incredible commitment, empathy and integrity to his work and made a lasting impact on colleagues and all of those he supported.”

Ms Condon added: “Throughout his career, Mark championed the rights of others. Mark had a particular interest in including the voice of disabled persons in decisions that directly impacted on their lives, and people’s right to make their own decisions in life.

“Mark was passionate about human rights, and he demonstrated this dedication in every aspect of his work. His unwavering commitment to these values was evident in the impact he had on all those he worked with.

“Mark will be sorely missed by all of us who worked with him at the National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities. We will greatly miss his friendship and his kindness.”