Mayo Coroner appeals to people to check on neighbours following deaths of elderly men

The Coroner for Mayo has reminded neighbours of elderly and vulnerable people to keep an eye on them after hearing of the deaths of two elderly men who lived alone.

Patrick O’Connor, Coroner for the District of Mayo made his comments following the inquests of two elderly men who were found dead in their homes after they had not been seen for a number of days.

John Patrick Haran (80) of Knocks, Killasser, Swinford, was found dead in his bedroom on January 17, 2024, after his sister grew concerned when she was not able to contact him for up to four days. 

Frank McManaman (83) of Inishbiggle was found dead in his home after he had not been seen for up to a week.

The inquests into the two men heard they both had health conditions, and Mr O’Connor said their deaths illustrated the importance of keeping regular contact with people who live alone.

‘Not intrusive’

Commenting during Mr Haran’s inquest, Mr O’Connor said that the deceased was well known in the Killaser and Swinford area, that he was a character and will be sadly missed. 

“It is sad he had not been seen in four days prior to his death. This brings home to all of us how important it is to look in on elderly people in their own homes. It is not to be intrusive but at the same time to check on them now and then. It is not a criticism of any of the neighbours, but it is unfortunate Mr Haran had not been seen for four days prior to his passing,” he said.

The inquest, which was held in Swinford Courthouse, heard that Frances Passman, a sister of Mr Haran, had asked Kevin Murtagh, a local taxi driver to check in on him after she had been unable to contact him.

Mr Murtagh and his son went to Mr Haran’s home, which was described as being in a poor condition, and they found Mr Haran’s remains.

The post mortem found that the cause of death was cardiac arrhythmia due to coronary occlusion.

‘Sad to see’

In the inquest of Mr McManamon, Garda Niall O’Malley explained he travelled to Inishbiggle on November 28, 2023 and met with Joe O’Malley who found the deceased’s remains. There was no evidence of injury, and a postmortem found the cause of death was natural due to cardiopulmonary insufficiency, acute bronchial pneumonia with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ischemic heart disease a contributing factor.

The inquest heard that Mr McManamon lived all his life on Inishbiggle, where the current population is less than ten.

“It remains for me to sympathise with Mr McManamon’s family but also the great warriors who live on Inishbiggle. It is regrettable that Mr McManamon passed away seven days before he was found, and it goes to show how important it is that neighbours do look in on their elderly and disadvantaged neighbours from time to time. 

“It is sad to see an old man of 83 years living on Inishbiggle all his life pass away in such circumstances,” he said, before thanking Garda O’Malley and the emergency services who assisted in removing the body from the island.