Laois fatal assault victim named locally

Sarah Slater

A 55-year-old woman who died following a fatal assault in Co Laois on Sunday has been named locally.

Adina Raluca Constantin, a Romanian national, was stabbed a number of times in her home on Church Street, Portlaoise, at 12.30pm.

Ms Constantin worked in a dental repair practice and lived over the premises where she was found.

A Turkish man in his 70s remains in Garda custody following the fatal assault of Ms Constantin.

It is understood that she worked at the practice with her partner.

Independent Republican councillor Caroline Dwane Stanley knew the dead woman for more than 10 years. “She was a very quiet lady and kept herself to herself, but she would always say hello whenever I met her. Adina didn’t mix with that many people.

“But her death is a huge shock to the community. I knew her through having a barber’s shop close to the premises where she died.”

Monsignor John Byrne, Parish Priest in Portlaoise said: (This is) an unfortunate tragic incident for all the family. It’s not news that anyone would want to get. 

“My thoughts and prayers are with the lady’s family. It’s all the more shocking when it comes to your own town.

Gardaí and emergency services responded to the incident and the woman was pronounced deceased at the scene. Sources said that the dead woman suffered “multiple stab wounds to her body”.

The State Pathologist was notified and a post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course at Midlands Hospital Portlaoise. 

The man was arrested at the scene and is currently detained at a station in the Garda Eastern Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

The scene remains preserved for technical examination.

A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation. An incident room has been established at Portlaoise Garda station.

Brian Stanley, Independent TD for Laois, knew the deceased as she had lived and worked across from his office for approximately 15 years.

“She was a very pleasant character and a very familiar face on the street here. You're thinking of her and a tragic loss of life and thinking of her family. Her family is overseas. It's a horrible thing to happen.”

Local Fianna Fáil councillor Marie Tuohy said: “This is a dreadful tragedy. This tragedy should be handled with great sensitivity. I’m very conscious of her family and friends. My heart goes out to them all and everyone affected by what has happened.”

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.

Anyone who was in the Church Street area on Sunday, 5th July 2026 between 11:00am and 1:00pm and who may have camera footage, including CCTV or dashcam, is asked to provide this footage to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 867 4100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Garda investigations are ongoing.