A 55-year-old woman found dead at her home on Sunday afternoon had been stabbed several times.

Romanian national Adina Raluca Constantin was found lifeless by emergency services and gardaí at a premises on Church Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, at 12.30pm.

Ms Constantin worked in a dental repair practice and lived over the premises where she was found. A Turkish man in his 70s remains in Garda custody following the fatal assault.

It is understood that the deceased worked at the repair practice with her partner. Laois Independent Republican councillor Caroline Dwane Stanley knew Ms Constantin for more than ten years.

She said: ‘She was a very quiet lady and kept herself to herself but she would always say hello whenever I met her. Adina didn’t mix with that many people, but her death is a huge shock to the community. I knew her through having a barber’s shop close to the premises where she died.’

Monsignor John Byrne, parish priest in Portlaoise, said: ‘This is an unfortunate tragic incident for all the family. It’s not news that anyone would want to get. My thoughts and prayers are with the lady’s family. It’s all the more shocking when it comes to your own town.’

Brian Stanley, Independent TD for Laois, knew Ms Constantin as she had lived and worked across from his office for approximately 15 years.

He said: ‘She was a very pleasant character and a very familiar face on the street here. You’re thinking of her and a tragic loss of life and thinking of her family. Her family is overseas. It’s a horrible thing to happen.’

Local Fianna Fáil councillor Marie Tuohy said: ‘This is a dreadful tragedy. This tragedy should be handled with great sensitivity. I’m very conscious of her family and friends. My heart goes out to them all and everyone affected by what has happened.’

Sources said the deceased suffered ‘multiple stab wounds to her body’.

The State pathologist was notified, and a post-mortem will be arranged in due course at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise.

Garda investigations are ongoing.