FUNERAL details have been announced for the Tipperary great-grandmother murdered in her home last weekend.
The body of the victim, Josephine ‘Josie’ Ray (89), of St Joseph’s Park, Nenagh, County Tipperary was found by a relative around midday last Sunday (August 4).
A reliable Garda source said investigators were satisfied there was no visible sign of a break-in at the victim’s home, and that one of a number of theory’s being considered by investigators was that Ms Ray knew her killer/killers.
Despite reports that Ms Ray suffered facial injuries and was strangled, Gardaí have, for operational reasons, refused to publicly release details of how she died.
Gardaí do not believe a weapon was used in respect of Ms Ray’s death, however it’s understood a pillow recovered by Gardaí from Ms Ray’s house was being forensically examined for possible further clues.
A funeral notice, published on Wednesday, stated that the remains of Josephine (Josie) Ray (née O’Meara) would repose at Ryans Funeral Home in Nenagh (E45 KN93) this Thursday from 5pm-7pm.
“Her remains will arrive at St Mary of the Rosary Church, Nenagh on Friday for her Requiem Mass at 11 o’clock. Burial afterwards in Killodeirnan Graveyard (E45 EV76),” the notice stated.
Ms Ray was predeceased by her husband Paddy and her daughter Joan O’Brien.
She is survived by her daughters Sarah, Frances, Mary, and Carmel, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours, and friends.
Paying tribute on Tuesday, Tipperary councillor Seamie Morris said Ms Ray was “a real character who loved her fashion”.
Ms Ray’s neighbour, Michael O’Brien, described her as having a “heart of gold, and I will dearly miss her and so will her many friends in St Joseph’s Park and beyond”.
On Tuesday, Gardai appealed for witnesses to come forward, “particularly those who were in the St Joseph’s Park area of Nenagh, County Tipperary, between 8pm on Saturday 3rd August 2024, and mid-day on Sunday 4th August 2024”.
“Additionally, individuals with video recordings, including motorists with dashcams, from the area within the timeframe are asked to provide footage to investigating Gardaí.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station at 067 50 450, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
