A MAN, aged in his 40s, has been charged over the murder of a young mum in Co Cork.
Paula Canty, who would have celebrated her 32nd birthday on Monday, was found in a pool of blood in an upper story flat in the Belfry Complex in Bridewell Lane in Mallow on January 3.
The investigation was upgraded to a murder probe after a post-mortem found that the mum-of-three sustained a fatal stab wound to her upper body.
Gardai arrested the man on Tuesday and detained him for questioning over the killing.
It is understood that the suspect was well known to the victim.
He is expected to appear before Midleton District Court at 11am this morning.
In a statement this morning, a garda spokesperson confirmed that the man has been charged and added: “Investigations are ongoing.”
Up to 40 officers including uniformed personnel and detectives are carrying out a full investigation into Paula’s death.
She has been remembered as the “beloved daughter” of Sinead and the “dear mother” of Alyisha and Aoibhe and sister to Darragh, Donna, Latoya, David and Rianna.
A notice on RIP.ie said: “Sadly missed by her heartbroken mother, children, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, relatives and her large circle of friends.”
Her funeral details will be confirmed at a later date
Her mother Sinead has set up a memorial fund in honour of her “beautiful” daughter Paula, telling how she is choosing to raise money for Street Angels in Cork.
Sinead said: “Our beautiful, kind Paula has gained her wings this week. She was taken from us way too soon in a sudden and tragic way without any goodbyes.
“Paula was looking forward to a fresh, bright new year start with her loving family and with her good friends.
“The community, our family, relatives, neighbours, and a large circle of friends are just heartbroken.
“We ask if you wish to donate to Paula’s Memorial Fund please do so to “Street Angels” organisation in Cork, which is close to our hearts.”
GARDA APPEAL
The heartbroken mother thanked everyone who has shown the family love and support during this time.
Any donations should be sent to the Street Angels Go Fund Me or to Coolmine Drug Treatment Centre in lieu of funeral flowers.
Gardai operating from an Incident Room set up in Mallow Garda Station have urged anyone with any information in connection with the investigation to come forward.
A garda spokesperson said: “Gardai are appealing for witnesses to contact them and are seeking any available camera footage, including dashcam recordings, from those who were in the vicinity of Bridewell Lane, Mallow between 9pm on Thursday 2nd January and Friday 3rd January, 2025 at 10am.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Mallow Garda Station on 022 31450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
