By Sean Moriarty

Shocked neighbours have this morning paid tribute to their neighbour who was found dead in her home yesterday afternoon (Monday) in unexplained circumstances.

MEDIA: Cllr Donal Grady speaks to RTE News this morning (Tuesday).

SHOCK: Neighbours and brothers Donal and Sean Grady have expressed shock at the news.

ATTENTION: RTÉ and Virgin Media cameramen filming Garda forensic officers entering the home of Miriam Burns this morning (Tuesday).

The body of Miriam Burns - described as "such a lovely bubbly person" - was discovered at her home in Ardshanavooley at around lunchtime.

A technical examination of the scene was carried out by Garda Forensic experts and Mrs Burns remains were later brought to University Hospital Kerry (UHK) where the cause of death is expected to be determined. The State Pathologist’s Office was also informed.

A second team of Garda Forensic Officers arrived at the scene shortly before 10am this morning (Tuesday) and Killarney Gardai have also started door-to-door enquires in the estate.

The Killarney Advertiser understands that a family member in Australia was trying to make contact with Miriam and when they were unable to get a response they alerted a neighbour who made the discovery.

The devastating news sent shockwaves through the quiet estate, the whole town and beyond. Miriam was a familiar face in Killarney as she cycled everywhere on her daily rounds.

TRIBUTE

Former mayor Sean Grady paid tribute to his neighbour.

“We are in total shock that such a vibrant woman has been taken from us,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “She was such a gracious lady and the whole community extends its dearest sympathies to her family and all associated with her. This cloud won't lift over Killarney for a very long time.”

His brother Donal was one of the first people to move into the Ardshanavooley estate in 1972.

“She is here since 1973 or 1974,” he told the Killarney Advertiser. “Miriam will be sorely missed, a lady who was smiling the whole time, she was everybody’s friend. She looked after everyone and if they were having a bad day she would cheer them up."

One neighbour who did not wish to be named said: “She was a lady, a lovely sociable person, a very good neighbour, private in her own way but a very good person. It is a huge shock, such an outgoing person, she was always dressed well, and off around town on her bicycle. We don’t need this – it is very sad.”

Another neighbour added: “It is an awful shock, she was such a lovely bubbly person. This is very hard for the neighbourhood.”

The incident has also attracted widespread media attention, with RTÉ, Virgin Media and the Irish Independent on the scene.