Update: Following a post-mortem examination, Gardaí are no longer treating Mr. O’Donovan’s death as suspicious. Read more here.
The young man found dead on the grounds of a golf course in Macroom has been named locally as Jack O’Donovan.
The alarm was raised shortly after 9:30 am this morning, after Mr O’Donovan’s body was discovered by a member of the public who had been out walking. Gardaí quickly sealed off the scene, and a technical examination is being carried out today.
A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out tomorrow morning, and the results will determine the course of the Garda investigation.
A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been assigned to the case, and an incident room has been established at the local Garda Station. A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has also been appointed to support Mr O’Donovan’s family.
Mr O’Donovan was aged in his 20s and is understood to be from Macroom. Local representatives have expressed their sympathies to the family and say that the town is ‘in shock’ following the incident.
Independent Councillor Martin Coughlan told CorkBeo: “I would have known Jack since he was a young lad; he comes from a very respectable family and our sympathies go out to them.
“When something like this comes to your own door, it’s a frightening thing; the whole town is shocked. We’re waiting now to see what the outcome of the investigation will be”
Another local representative, Fine Gael Councillor Kate Lynch, added: “It’s very hard on his parents and the town itself.
“Macroom is a small, close-knit town where everybody knows each other, and it’s tragic for anyone to be going through this. We’ll have to wait and see what Gardaí determine, but it’s a tragic incident one way or another. I would like to extend my condolences to his parents and his family.”
Gardaí are keen to speak with anyone who may have been in the vicinity of the golf club at Castle Grounds, Macroom, Co. Cork, between 2 pm on Thursday and 10 am this morning. Those with camera footage taken in the area around this time have also been asked to come forward.
A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following an incident where the body of an adult male in his 20s was discovered in Macroom, Co. Cork, this Friday morning, 23rd October 2026.
“Gardaí are interested in speaking with any person who may have been in the vicinity of Golf Club, Castle Grounds, Macroom, Co. Cork, between 2 pm on Thursday, 22nd of October and 10 am on Friday, 23rd of October 2026.
“Any road users or pedestrians who were in the area and who may have camera footage (including mobile phone and dash-cam) are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Macroom Garda Station on (026) 20590, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.