Anton McNulty
A GARDA investigation into the sudden death of two 15-year-old Westport students in February revealed that both deaths were separate tragedies and were not connected in any way.
Sergeant Denis Harrington made the revelation at the inquests into the deaths of Junior Cert students Dylan Beirne of Carrabaun, Westport and Michael Hopkins of Rushbrook, Clogher, Westport. A verdict of death by suicide was recorded in both cases. Mr Beirne’s body was found on the grounds of Rice College on Monday, February 18, while Mr Hopkins’s body was found in the old Christian Brothers residence building on Mill Street, Westport on February 26.
The death in tragic circumstances of the two Rice College students in close succession cast a dark cloud over Westport, with counsellors from the National Education Psychology Service visiting the town to offer their services to young people. The close proximity of their deaths led to rumours that they may have been linked, but Sgt Harrington explained that it was just a coincidence.
“There was an extensive investigation into the deaths carried out by the Gardaí and there was no evidence linking the deaths. These were two separate tragedies, and there was no connection linking them other than the two of them occurring close together,” he explained.
Mr Seán Beirne, father of Dylan, told the inquest that his son was the eldest of three sons and explained that his death came ‘out of the blue’ and he ‘could never see him doing this’. He explained that Dylan had an outgoing personality and was ‘mad’ for cars and rallying. He said he worked with him in the family jewellery business and he was saving his money to buy his first car.
Mr Beirne told the inquest that on Sunday February 17, Dylan went into Westport at 5.30pm to meet his girlfriend and returned at 7.30pm. He said they had dinner and talked about work before Dylan asked permission to go back into town. Mr Beirne explained that he was given permission provided he returned at 9pm or 9.30pm. He said he last saw Dylan at 8.30pm on Sunday night.
At nine o’clock Mrs Beirne rang his phone and left a message. Mr Beirne said his wife phoned Dylan a number of times without getting a reply and also called his friends. They reported Dylan missing on Sunday evening.
His body was found at Rice College the following morning by Garda Brian Kilkelly and Mr Beirne.
Mr Beirne told the inquest that Dylan was not a troublesome son and said the family were left stunned by the tragedy.
Mr Martin Hopkins, father of Michael, said his son was in good form when he left for school on February 26, but at 10am he got a phone call from Rice College informing him that Michael had gone missing. He said he drove around Westport to look for him but when he could not find him he contacted the Gardaí.
Mr Hopkins said he was contacted by the Gardaí at five o’clock and went to Grove House on Mill Street where they found his son. He explained that Michael was a normal boy for his age and was a good student.
Mr John O’Dwyer, Coroner for South Mayo, recorded a verdict of death due to suicide in both cases and extended his sympathies to the families, but added that no words could ease the pain and grief of their loss. He told both families that the deaths of the two teenagers was not their fault and said they should not take on a sense of guilt. Superintendent Eugene Brennan also expressed sympathy to the families on behalf of the Gardaí.
