Nenagh Mourns Josephine 'Joan' Ray, 89, as Man Charged in Her 2024 Murder
NENAGH, Ireland ( DailyKenn.com) — Josephine Ray, the 89-year-old widow known locally as Joan for her impeccable fashion sense and warm spirit, was found dead in her modest terraced home at St. Joseph's Park on Aug. 4, 2024, in a killing that stunned this tight-knit County Tipperary community.
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The great-grandmother of five, predeceased by her husband Paddy and daughter Joan, was discovered unresponsive in her bedroom around midday by a family member after neighbors grew concerned over her absence. A post-mortem examination by the state pathologist the following day revealed injuries consistent with foul play, prompting gardaí to launch a murder investigation immediately.
Authorities believe Ray knew her attacker, with the assault likely occurring late on Aug. 3 or early Aug. 4 during the August bank holiday weekend. Witnesses in the quiet residential area reported a disturbance at Ray's home less than 24 hours before her body was found, fueling early suspicions of a targeted attack by someone familiar to the victim.
Ray, a beloved figure in Nenagh, was remembered fondly for her vibrant personality and love of life. "She had a heart of gold," said neighbor Michael O'Brien, who shared a recent St. Patrick's Day photo of the pair on social media, captioning it, "Me and my best friend Joan Ray ... still has the moves." Local councilor Seamus Morris echoed the sentiment, noting, "Rest in peace Joan. If everyone in the world was as nice as Joan, we would have a perfect, well-dressed world." Friends and family described her as a stylish socialite who cherished dressing up and mingling with those around her.
The investigation saw swift action in the days following her death. On Aug. 9, 2024, gardaí arrested a man and woman, both in their 50s and known to Ray, for questioning. The pair, who were acquainted with each other, were released without charge the next day as inquiries continued.
Progress stalled until July 3, 2025, when fresh information led to the rearrest of a man in his 50s, identified as the chief suspect. He was detained and interrogated but released pending further review.
The case broke open this week with a dramatic arrest and charge. On Oct. 16, 2025, 51-year-old Hasan Ali Gori, of no fixed abode, was taken into custody in Nenagh. He appeared before Nenagh District Court on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, charged with Ray's murder at her home on Aug. 4, 2024. Dressed in a navy sweater and jeans, Gori spoke only to confirm his name, address and understanding of the charge through an interpreter. Judge Elizabeth O'Brien remanded him in custody, with the next court appearance scheduled for Nov. 14, 2025, at Nenagh Circuit Court.
Gardaí continue to appeal for information from anyone in the St. Joseph's Park vicinity between 8 p.m. on Aug. 3, 2024, and noon on Aug. 4, 2024. The Nenagh Detective Unit can be reached at (067) 31200, or tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (1800) 250-025.
Tipperary remains in collective shock over the loss of Ray, whose death has cast a long shadow over the community she enriched for decades.
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