There is shock and sadness in the Belcoo area after the discovery of a body of a woman at a house just outside the village on Tuesday, November 13.

The body of 59-year-old Pauline Kilkenny was found by her sister, at her home on the Cornacully Road between Belcoo and Garrison, after concerns were raised when she failed to show up for her work at Lilley’s Centra on the Shore Road in Enniskillen.

Ms. Kilkenny had been on holidays for a few days the week previous, however did not turn up for work on Monday, something which was out of character during her two years working in the shop.

Detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation.

Police have confirmed a car stopped and recovered at Derrygonnelly Road, Enniskillen is believed to have belonged to Pauline Kilkenny where a 28 year old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, suspicion of possession of Cannabis and theft of a motor vehicle and remains in police custody at this time.

Tributes have been pouring in for the much loved Ms. Kilkenny from all parts of the community.

Dominic Kerrigan, a neighbour of Ms. Kilkenny, has said the community was “angered and shocked at recent events and this cowardly act.”

“Pauline was very well known and liked within the community. She was known across the parish for her love of animals and was always a great woman for a story a chat and a laugh. She will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with Pauline’s family at this time and we would ask for the media to respect the family’s privacy during this tragic time.

Una Lilley, from Lilley’s Centra shop where the 59-year-old had worked said in a statement: “We are utterly devastated and deeply shocked by the unfolding events which have culminated in the death of our valued team member and friend Pauline.

“As a person she was a vibrant, cheerful, humourous and colourful. She honestly had the heart of a lion and the compassion of a saint. She adored cats and dogs and particularly if they were injured or in need they had her undivided attention. It was the same with people, the more you needed her the more committed to you she would be.

“As an employee she was also committed, hardworking, honest, reliable and always the first person to volunteer if you needed extra help.

“For her not to be at work was completely out of character and almost immediately her co-workers were concerned as was I. In our wildest imaginings we did not anticipate this tragedy, she did not deserve this ending. It is in stark contrast to the good, kind, caring and beautiful person Pauline was. She was an exceptional human being and we are going to miss her presence and her colour from our daily lives greatly.

Independent councillor for Erne West, Bernice Swift spoke of the heartbreaking news.

“I sincerely express my genuine condolences to the entire family circle, to all of Pauline’s work colleagues and her good friends on her very untimely and wholly shocking death, my thoughts are with them all at this devastating time of traumatic loss.”

“There is total widespread shock in the entire community of Belcoo and indeed much further afield about Pauline’s very sad death, people are plunged into total dismay and are trying to come to terms with such an appalling occurrence in our rural community of which I hope in usual Fermanagh spirit that all the good neighbours and friends will support the family during this very difficult time.”

“Everyone I have talked to are describing Pauline as a very friendly, helpful and a really lovely woman qualities of which makes her death so much more difficult to accept. One of Pauline’s friends told me she had been on a recent cruise in June and loved it so much that she had already booked to go again next year, it is so sad to realise that she will not enjoy another lovely cruise”

Sinn Féin councillor Barry Doherty also expressed his shock at the news.

“It was with a sense of disbelief that I heard the news yesterday of the terrible events that left a family shattered,

“I would have met Pauline years ago when I worked in a bank in Enniskillen, A lovely person, a person who skipped to their own beat and loved life.

“To read all the tributes in the last day it is clear that Pauline was also a person who left an impression on all she met.

“My heart goes out to the Brennan family and all Pauline’s friends, I can only imagine the anguish they are suffering I hope they take some comfort from the embrace of the community around them, it’s in community and friends we find the tenderness and selflessness that reaffirm our humanity and essential goodness when confronted with such darkness.”

In a statement a spokesman for the Police Service of Northern Ireland appealed to anyone who has any information to contact detectives at Serious Crime Branch on 101 quoting reference 573 13/11/18. Alternatively information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.