New Mayo Coroner praises ‘remarkable service’ of his predecessor

Anton McNulty

THE new Coroner for Mayo has praised the legacy of his predecessor John O’Dwyer who retired last month after 38 years of ‘remarkable service’.
Pat O’Connor, who was previously the Coroner for East Mayo, was recently appointed to succeed John O’Dwyer who had served as Coroner for South Mayo. The Department of Justice decided to merge the two districts, and Mr O’Connor will now be known as the Coroner for the Mayo District.
In his first sitting as the new Coroner in Swinford, Mr O’Connor praised Mr O’Dwyer for his years of service.
“I must pay compliment to John O’Dwyer who had been coroner for South Mayo for 38 years and did remarkable service for the people of the county. He was caring and sympathetic and not afraid to ask questions. He acted fairly and impartially and with considerable distinction, and I wish him well in his retirement,” he said.
As the Coroner for East Mayo, Mr O’Connor held the inquests in the new Cultural Centre in Swinford and indicated he intends to continue to hold inquests in the centre.
He explained he did not feel it was appropriate to hold inquests in courthouses but acknowledged that where jury’s are required they will have to be held in Castlebar, because the Cultural Centre does not have the required facilities ‘at present’.