The body of a man tragically found inside a house in north Dublin late last night had been "there for some time" as the victim has been named locally.
Eric Rooney, who was in his 50s, was discovered by Mountjoy officers in the house at St. Michael's Road, Drumcondra at around 11pm after Gardai rushed to the scene to deal with reports of an attempted break-in.
They were told that a number of people were trying to enter the house but when they arrived nobody else was present except the body of the victim who was lying inside.
A source told Dublin Live: "It seems that the body had been there for some time when Gardai discovered it last night."
They added: "It's not yet known if the reported break-ins are connected with the death also."
Councillor for the North Inner City Anthony Flynn described the tragic situation as "very sad".
He told Dublin Live: "It was very heartbreaking news to hear this morning. My thoughts and prayers are with the man's family at this time."
Local parish priest Fr Richard Sheehy from Our Lady of Dolours Glasnevin extended his sympathies to the family, friends and neighbours of the deceased man.
Fr Sheehy said: “It’s a shock to everybody when you hear about a sudden death, a tragic death.”
The victim's body remained at the scene for a time this morning while the Coroner and State Pathologist attended before leaving shortly after 1pm.
An investigation has been launched and Gardai say they are looking at all circumstances surrounding the death.
A Garda spokeswoman told Dublin Live: "Gardaí in Mountjoy are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of a man, aged 50 years, whose body was discovered at his home in St. Michael's Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 last night, Saturday 8th August.
"The discovery was made when Gardaí received a call that a number of men were attempting to break into a house at approximately 11p.m.
"When we arrived at the scene there were no other persons present and the body of the man was located in the house."
She added: "The body remains at the scene at this time and the Coroner has been notified and the State Pathologist will visit the scene later this morning.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact Mountjoy Garda Station 01 6668602, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station."
