Man, 70s, found dead in Galway city identified as former Justice Minister's brother-in-law

The body of a man who was found in Galway in the early hours of Tuesday morning has been named locally.

The body of the man, aged in his 70s, was located on the Tuam Road, Galway city, at approximately 5.15am yesterday. He has since been removed from the scene to the mortuary at University Hospital Galway.

The man has been named locally as Dominic Quinn, who was the brother-in-law of former Galway TD and multi-ministry holder Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, reports Galway Beo.

Ms Geoghegan-Quinn previously served as a Fianna Fáil TD for the Galway West constituency from 1975–1997, and held several Ministerial positions including: Minister for the Gaeltacht (1979–1981), becoming the first female Cabinet Minister since the foundation of the Irish State; Minister for European Affairs (1987–1991); Minister for Transport (1992-1993), and Minister for Justice (1993–1994).

READ MORE: Emergency services rush to scene as bus crashes with car and ploughs off road in Donegal

READ MORE: Major update on Irish man arrested in connection with death of American Mackenzie Michalski in Hungary

Galway City Councillor Alan Cheevers has offered his condolences to former party colleague Ms Geoghegan-Quinn, and described the tragic loss as a "sad accident".

"It's very tragic what has happened," Cllr. Cheevers told Galway Beo. "I did speak with Maura Geoghegan-Quinn by message yesterday to express by sympathies about the tragic passing of her brother in law. I know the family well and it's a very sad accident."

Gardaí are "investigating all circumstances" into Mr Quinn's death, but initial enquiries suggest that foul play is not suspected at this time and this incident is being treated as a tragic accident.

It's believed Mr Quinn was enjoying a drink in a local pub in the area before leaving for the evening. His body was found hours later by local bin men on the Tuam Road who then alerted the authorities.

Gardaí say that a post-mortem examination will take place in due course, the results of which will determine the course of the investigation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, a Garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí in Galway are investigating all the circumstances following the discovery of a body earlier this morning, Tuesday, 10th December 2024.

"The body of the man, aged in his 70s, was located on the Tuam Road, Galway city, at approximately 5.15am. He has since been removed from the scene to the mortuary at University Hospital Galway.

"A post-mortem examination will take place in due course, the results of which will determine the course of the investigation."

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.