The man arrested in connection with the attack is known to the couple
The victims of a knife attack in Cork city have been named locally, as a man in his 20s arrested in connection with the incident remains in Garda custody.
The couple have since been named locally as Brian and Stella Gallagher, a well-liked couple who had been living in the Shrewsbury Downs estate for more than 20 years. The pair were brought to Cork University Hospital, where Stella was pronounced dead and Brian remains in a serious but stable condition after receiving emergency treatment, Cork Beo reports.
Residents have been left in a state of shock following the violent incident, and a post-mortem examination is due to be carried out on the deceased, which will guide the course of the Garda investigation. It’s expected that a formal murder probe will be launched in due course.
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The man arrested in connection with the attack is known to the couple, and he has been detained at a Garda station in the Cork division. Gardaí have recovered a weapon from the scene, and the suspect can be held for up to 24 hours without charge under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.
Cllr Honore Kamegni said he knows many residents in the Shrewsbury Downs area and that he is standing with the community following this tragedy.
He told CorkBeo: “It’s very painful to see this happen. It is not acceptable to carry out an attack on anybody or any community. I know many residents in that ward, and while I have not met Stella and Brian personally, I stand strongly with the community in this difficult time.”
Gardaí were alerted to the incident shortly after 9pm on Monday night, with Armed Support Units deployed to the scene. Neighbours told CorkBeo this morning that there was a ‘terrible screaming’ from outside the house, in the normally very quiet estate, and that calls were immediately made to the emergency services
Local councillor Peter Horgan said the incident has cast a dark cloud over the community. He told CorkBeo: “It’s an awful tragedy, my prayers are with the victims and the wider family. Gardaí have now begun their investigation and must be given the space to do that, but the incident has cast a dark cloud over the entire parish; it’s a very sad situation.”
It’s understood that the man arrested on Monday night has been assessed by a doctor as Gardaí attempted to ascertain whether the man is medically fit to be questioned at this time.
A full forensic examination is underway at the property this afternoon. A family liaison officer has been appointed to support the relatives of the deceased, and an incident room has been established at Angelsea Street Garda Station, which is being overseen by a senior investigating officer.
In an update issued early this morning, a Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí in Cork are investigating a fatal incident in Ballinlough that occurred last night, Monday 17th November 2025.
“Gardaí and emergency services responded to a reported assault outside a residence in Shrewsbury Downs at approximately 9:15 pm. A male in his 60s and a female in her late 50s were brought to Cork University Hospital for treatment of critical injuries, where the female was subsequently pronounced deceased. The male remains in a serious, but stable condition.
“A male in his 20s was arrested at the scene and is currently detained pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in Cork city. The Office of the State Pathologist has been notified, and a post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course. The scene is preserved for examination by the Cork City Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit.”
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward. Anyone who was in the Shrewsbury Downs area of Ballinlough between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm on Monday, 17th November 2025, and who may have camera footage (including home security and dash-cam footage) is asked to provide this footage to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Anglesea Street Garda Station on 021 452 2000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
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