Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 8425Murder · Co. Cork

Man jailed for life for murder of 61-year-old in Macroom

Michael Foley, 61, was stabbed to death at his home in Annville, Barrett's Place, Macroom, Co Cork, and was found dead there on 6 February 2024. Daniel Hourigan, 33, who had lived in Foley's home for several weeks in spring 2023, was found guilty of Foley's murder by a jury at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork in July 2026. On 30 July 2026 he was sentenced to mandatory life imprisonment. His counsel said he plans to appeal his conviction.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced30 Jul
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Michael Foley, 61, was stabbed to death at his home in Macroom, Co Cork.
Where
Foley was found dead at his home in Annville, Barrett's Place, Macroom, Co Cork.
When
  • Foley was found dead on 6 February 2024.
  • Hourigan left the Macroom house on the morning of 1 February 2024, knowing Foley was still alive.
Cause
Foley suffered 11 stab wounds, 19 incised and defensive wounds and 34 blunt force trauma injuries.
Weapon
The murder weapon was a knife, which Hourigan left in a refuse bag on a bus to Cork city.
Investigation
Gardaí retrieved the knife from a skip at the bus depot in the aftermath of the murder.
Other details
  • Hourigan had lived in Foley's Macroom home for several weeks in spring 2023 after Foley offered him temporary accommodation.
  • Judge Siobhan Lankford said no effort was made to phone for help for Foley.
  • Hourigan's counsel said he plans to appeal his conviction, and he maintains his innocence.
In court
  • A jury at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork found Hourigan guilty of murder in July 2026.
  • Foley's eldest daughter, Caroline Foley, gave a victim impact statement addressed to Hourigan at the sentencing hearing.
Sentence
Hourigan was sentenced to mandatory life imprisonment for the murder of Michael Foley on 30 July 2026.
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereFoley was found dead at his home in Annville, Barrett's Place in Macroom, Co Cork. (rte.ie)
  • whenFoley was found dead on 6 February 2024. (rte.ie)
  • whenHourigan left the Macroom house on the morning of 1 February 2024 when he knew Foley was still alive. (rte.ie)
  • causeFoley was stabbed to death by Hourigan at his home in Macroom. (rte.ie)
  • weaponThe murder weapon was a knife, which Hourigan left in a refuse bag on a bus to Cork city. (rte.ie)
  • investigationGardaí retrieved the knife from a skip at the bus depot in the aftermath of the murder. (rte.ie)
  • courtA jury at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork found Hourigan guilty of murder earlier in July. (rte.ie)
  • courtFoley's eldest daughter, Caroline Foley, gave a victim impact statement addressed to Hourigan at the sentencing hearing. (rte.ie)
  • sentenceHourigan was sentenced to mandatory life imprisonment for the murder of Michael Foley. (rte.ie)
  • otherJudge Siobhan Lankford said no effort was made to phone for help for Foley. (rte.ie)
  • otherHourigan's counsel said he plans to appeal his conviction. (rte.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 30 Jul2026
    Sentencedrte.ie, first report
    Man jailed for life for murdering 61-year-old in Cork

    Reports the sentencing of Daniel Hourigan to life imprisonment for murder, after a jury verdict earlier in July, plus victim impact statements from Foley's family and the judge's remarks. Adds that Hourigan plans to appeal and maintains his innocence, and gives the date Foley was found dead.

    convicted, Daniel Hourigan, 33, male, named, irish (judged from name)Daniel Houriganvictim, Michael Foley, 61, male, irish (judged from name)Michael Foley