‘Today is a difficult day for the family’

A man in his 50s whose body was found in Cork city centre on Tuesday had been staying in a St Vincent de Paul hostel in the city.

The man, believed to be a foreign national, is reported to have been known to homeless services in the city.

A St Vincent de Paul spokesperson confirmed the man had been a recent resident at one of the charity’s Cork hostels and extended its sympathies to the man’s family.

Meanwhile, fellow homeless charity Cork Simon has said it is currently unaware of the man having ever availed of its services.

The man was discovered on Carey’s Lane at approximately 7pm on Tuesday evening and emergency services attended the scene shortly after.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and taken to Cork University Hospital for a post mortem to be carried out with early indications suggesting that no foul play was involved.

Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould expressed his condolences to the family and friends of the man while commending Cork’s homeless services.

“Today is a difficult day for the family and friends of the man who passed away in Cork city. My thoughts are with them at this tough time,” said Teachta Gould.

He added: “This news would have come as a major blow for those working within the homeless services. These services in Cork do tremendous work but they need more support from Government.”