By Michelle Crean

Killarney Gardai investigating the horrendous murder of Miriam Burns (née Kelliher) at her home in Ardshanavooley say they are totally committed to finding justice for her family.

SCENE: Garda Forensic Officers pictured outside the home of Miriam Burns in Ardshanavooley on Tuesday morning.

The 75-year-old mother of four and grandmother and was found dead at her home lunchtime on Monday by neighbours after her son Shane in Australia failed to make contact with her.

The devastating news sent shockwaves through the quiet estate, the whole town and beyond.

Garda Forensic Officers conducted a technical examination on Monday evening and again on Tuesday morning, while searches also took place along the Ross Road area.

A post-mortem examination was conducted on Tuesday afternoon at University Hospital Kerry by State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster, the results of which were not released for operational reasons but Gardaí launched a murder investigation and shortly after a man in his 50s was arrested.

However, yesterday afternoon (Thursday) he was released from Garda custody without charge. A file is now being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The scene is still preserved and subject to an extensive investigation including the examination of CCTV footage in the area.

Now Gardai are appealing to members of the public who were in the Ardshanavooley area between 5pm on Friday and 1pm lunchtime Monday to come forward.

"Firstly An Garda Síochána would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Miriam Burns," Superintendent Flor Murphy told the Killarney Advertiser.

He said the public are “the eyes and ears of the community” and is calling on them to come forward no matter how relevant they feel the information is.

"We thank the public for their assistance to date. We’re appealing very strongly to the public for their assistance. We want people who saw anything unusual or suspicious in the area whether it’s pedestrians, cars, or people on push bikes to get in touch. It’s probably one of the most extensive investigations conducted in Kerry in recent times. Our investigation is progressing and is totally committed to finding justice."

The investigation is "fully resourced" and that “will remain the case”, he added.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 6671160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Mrs Burns funeral will take place on Sunday arriving at St Mary's Cathedral at 2.15pm for service at 4pm, followed by private cremation.