Deirdre Morley: Dublin mother charged with murdering her three children

The mother of three children found dead at their home in south-west Dublin has been charged with their murder.

Deirdre Morley, 43, of Parson’s Court, Newcastle, was remanded in custody today, after the bodies of Conor, 9, Darragh, 7, and Carla, 3, McGinley were found on Friday evening.

Morley did not speak during her brief hearing at Dublin District Court this afternoon and offered no reply when she was charged on three counts of murder shortly before 3pm.

She will remain in custody for one week, and will undergo a psychiatric assessment, Judge Paula Murphy ruled.

The 43-year-old was found by a taxi driver near her house shortly before the children’s bodies were discovered. She was subsequently taken for treatment at Tallaght University Hospital.

The children’s father, Andrew McGinley, arrived home at the same time as gardaí (Irish police) and paramedics. They went inside where they were confronted by the tragic discovery.

Morley was arrested on Tuesday evening and detained at Clondalkin Garda station under section four of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

Today’s court hearing comes a day after Mr McGinley spoke of his grief, saying all three children had “beautiful, bright futures” ahead of them.

In a statement issued through the Gardaí Andrew McGinley ​said: “There are no words. There is only devastation, grief and anguish. Every breath is a struggle.

“Conor, Darragh and Carla are adored. They all had beautiful, bright futures ahead of them with family, friends and a community who love them.

“To all parents, cuddle your children whenever you get a chance. Tell them how much you love them as often as you can, spend every spare minute with them reading, playing and enjoying their wonderfulness.

“The future has now become our enemy but we will battle it every day to keep the memory of Conor, Darragh and Carla alive.”

The bodies of the children were removed from the semi-detached home by ambulance at around 10am on Saturday.

Morley will appear at Dublin District Court again next Wednesday.