A MAN WAS today remanded on bail after he was charged in connection with the death of a woman in Limerick City two years ago.

Patrick Lawlor (50s) with an address at Upper Mallow Street, Limerick City, appeared before Limerick District Court charged with assault causing harm to 54-year old Louise Muckell.

Ms Muckell, a former music teacher and accomplished pianist, was discovered with serious injuries at a house at Cois Deel in Rathkeale, Co Limerick on 19 July 2022.

She was pronounced dead from her injuries the following day at University Hospital Limerick.

A post mortem was conducted by the State Pathologist. However, investigating Gardaí did not release details of the autopsy.

Louise Muckell had taught piano at Mercy Secondary School, Rathkeale and was a member of a local church choir.

Gardaí believe she had been at a house in the Windmill Street area of Limerick city in the hours prior to being found with serious injuries in Rathkeale.

This morning, Gardaí announced they had arrested a man in connection with the investigation into the alleged fatal assault.

Gardaí told Limerick District Court that Lawlor did not reply when he was charged with one count of assaulting Louise Muckell, causing her harm, on a date in July 2022.

Judge Mark O’Connell granted Lawlor free legal aid and allowed him bail on a number of strict conditions which Gardaí consented to.

As part of Lawlor’s bail terms, he must only reside at his address at Upper Mallow Street, and he must have no contact whatsoever, including by telephone or social media, with members of Louise Muckell’s family nor any other witnesses involved in the case.

The court also ordered that Lawlor must provide his mobile phone number to Gardaí so that he can be contacted by investigating Gardaí at any time.

Gardaí told the court that the DPP (Director of Public Prosecution) had consented to Lawlor being sent forward for trial to the Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge O’Connell remanded the matter for mention before Limerick District Court on 23 October for preparation of the State’s Book of Evidence.