The family of a woman who was murdered by her husband is urging anyone in an abusive relationship to reach out and ask for help.
Alan Ward, of Greenfort Drive, Clondalkin, was handed a life sentence today for stabbing his wife to death in the family home in March 2019.
Catherine Doyle and Alan Ward were 23 years married on the day he killed her.
Their marriage was marred by arguments that often turned violent.
Their son, Adam, said they argued about money a lot.
On the night in question, he said he saw his father standing in the doorway of his mother’s bedroom. She was on the floor and he had a knife in his hand.
When he confronted him, he said he threatened to kill him too and lunged at him with the knife.
Alan Ward was handed the mandatory life sentence for murder today.
Through a victim impact statement, Catherine was described as “kind and bubbly” and a great mother.
Afterwards, her family and gardai urged anyone in a violent and abusive relationship to seek help.
Reporting by Frank Greaney
