Coroner expresses concern at ‘almost unprecedented’ number of suicides

THE Coroner for Mayo has expressed concern at what he describes as ‘an almost unprecedented’ number of people who took their own lives in Mayo in January.

Patrick O’Connor made his remarks following inquests into the deaths of three men, all of which occurred within three days of each other.

All three men, who were between the ages of 18 and 48, were medically certified to have died from asphyxiation.

“To have three young people in Castlebar area [take their own lives] over a three-day period in January is just beyond comprehension and beyond coincidental,” Mr O’Connor said at yesterday’s inquests, which were held at Swinford Courthouse.

Mr O’Connor offered his sympathies to the families of all three deceased men and thanked the gardaí and first responders who attended them.

Sergeant Paul Connolly echoed his remarks and expressed sympathy to the bereaved families on behalf of An Garda Síochána.

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