File going to DPP after two men released without charge over death of Athy man

Two men released have been released without charge after being quizzed about the death of an elderly man in Athy a week ago. Tragic Michael Owens from the Kilberry area outside the town was laid to rest in St Michael's New Cemetery on Friday.   

Gardai said two men were arrested in connection with the death but were later released without charge and a file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.   A Garda statement said: "The man arrived at a house in the Kilberry area of Athy having been out walking in the area when he became ill. 

"Emergency services attended at the scene but the man was pronounced dead a short time later. A post-mortem was later carried out at Naas mortuary and a file will now be prepared for the local Coroner." 

The statement added: "It’s understood that prior to his arrival at the house the man had been involved in an interaction with a number of people. Two males aged in their late teens and early 20s were arrested on 9/5/2019 in connection with this incident.  They have since been released without charge and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions."

Mr Owens is survived by daughters Vanessa, Celina and Louise and sons Robert and Nigel, sons-in-law Kenneth and Dominic and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A large congregation attended the Funeral Mass in St. Michael's Parish Church, Athy.