Paula Canty was found stabbed to death in her apartment just days before her 32nd birthday, with Gardaí identifying a lead suspect in an investigation formally upgraded to a murder incident
A young mum has been described as “lovely” after she was found stabbed to death in her apartment.
Paula Canty was set to celebrate her birthday a short while before her tragic death, with Gardaí identifying a lead suspect in the murder of the young woman in North Cork. Officers formally upgraded their investigation into Paula’s death on Sunday to murder. A post-mortem examination confirmed she had died from being stabbed.
Ms Canty – who was due to celebrate her 32nd birthday on Monday, was discovered with a stab wound to the chest in an upstairs apartment in the Belfry complex in Bridewell Lane, Mallow, Co Cork at around 10.30am on Friday.
Officers have since focused their investigations on a male suspect known to Paula, following unfounded claims to Gardaí that she harmed herself. Sources say officers responded to a 999 call in which it was claimed Ms Canty was self-harming. However, after finding her body and a horrific scene, officers began to suspect that Ms Canty had in fact been murdered. They are now attempting to speak to those who last saw her alive.
A death notice listed online has since revealed funeral details for the 31-year-old, with tributes paid by members of her family and close friends. One mourner took to RIP.ie and wrote: “Sincere sympathy to Paula’s Mum Sinead and Alisha and Aoibhe on Paula’s sad passing. Sincere sympathy also to Paula’s brothers and sisters. Always loved her visits to Kinsale Library. May Paula’s gentle soul rest in Heavenly Peace.”
Another added: “Sorry to hear of a lovely young lady passing away. Her whole life has been taking away from her And leaving a young family behind here. Deepest sympathy to her mother and her kids and the rest of her family We will keep ye in our prayers at this sad time. May Paula rest in peace.”
A third mourner shared: “Omg I’m absolutely shocked writing this only seen u few weeks ago love such a sad world all young people passing way two soon. Rip Paula Canty one of the nicest harmless gurls u wud meet many a laff we had bure in the laundry and playing cards will hold them memories close gurl please god watch over her two children and her family.”
Ms Canty was previously known to Gardai and had 137 previous convictions – including one for burglary and 83 for theft, CorkLive reported. Judge Helen Boyle imposed a sentence of three years, with the last year suspended, in November 2022 where Ms Canty was convicted of breaking into the home of an 85-year-old man.
In an updated press release on Sunday, gardai confirmed the investigation had been upgraded to murder. A spokesperson said: “A post-mortem examination has been carried out by the Assistant State Pathologist and preliminary results have been provided to the investigating team. Details of these results are not being released for operational purposes.
Gardaí 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 2 January and Friday 3 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.