The couple were injured when they were attacked in the Shrewsbury Downs area of Ballinlough on Cork’s southside.
The incident occurred shortly after 9pm.
A man in his 20s, understood to be known to the couple, was later arrested by gardaí in connection with the attack.
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Today’s News in 90 – Tuesday November 18
The area is described as a mature housing estate just 2km from Cork city centre.
The man and woman who were targeted in the attack are understood to be a husband and wife.
The couple operated a long-standing business in Cork city centre.
A weapon described as a large kitchen knife is understood to have been found at the scene covered in blood.
Gardai and emergency services raced to the property after neighbours raised the alarm.
The aftermath of the attack was witnessed by one neighbour who was alerted by shouting and calls for assistance.
The injured were treated at the scene before being rushed to Cork University Hospital (CUH).
Both the man and woman were in a critical condition and assessed for emergency surgery.
Tragically, the injured woman, who is understood to be in her late 50s, lost her brave battle for life in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Gardaí have informed the Office of the State Pathologist.
A full post mortem examination will be conducted at Cork University Hospital (CUH).
The woman’s husband is understood to remain in a critical condition at CUH.
A man who was found at the scene was detained by armed Gardaí.
They detained him for questioning under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 and he was brought to a Cork city garda station where he can be held for up to 24 hours.
The man is now assisting Gardaí with their inquiries into the precise circumstances of what happened.
He is understood to have suffered minor injuries in the incident.
A precautionary medical assessment of the man will be conducted to assess his mental state.
The area has been sealed off pending a full forensic and technical examination by Garda Technical Bureau members.
Gardaí will commence door-to-door inquiries to determine the precise circumstances of the incident.
A number of properties in the area are understood to be fitted with CCTV security camera systems and footage will be examined to determine if it captured any of the tragic incidents outside the property involved.
Gardaí will today launch an appeal for witnesses to the tragedy and are also expected to ask for footage from dash-cams from any vehicles which passed the area around 9pm on Monday evening.
Members of the family of the elderly couple were informed of the tragedy and have visited the scene.
This article was amended at 8.05am on November 18, 2025, to clarify the ages of those mentioned.
