Decomposed woman’s kin did not know she was dead

THE brother of a 70-year-old woman left decomposing in a bedroom for up to a year said he did not know she was dead.

The skeletal remains of the 70-year-old Agnes Lyons were taken from Castlebar to Cork University Hospital yesterday to facilitate Dr Margaret Bolster to conduct a post mortem.

Garda Supt John O’Driscoll said preliminary investigations indicate she died from natural causes. “So far as is possible, foul play is ruled out,” he said. “We hope the post mortem will help determine the exact cause and time of death.”

He also revealed the dead woman’s brother, Michael, known as Sonny, may not have known about the death. He said gardaí had spoken yesterday with Ms Lyons’ sister, Mary Ellen, aged 64, and Michael, aged 74, who had been living in the same house at Carrownedan, Aughamore, near Ballyhaunis when the horror find was made on Monday.

“We will be talking to them again after we have the results of the post mortem,” he said.

Supt O’Driscoll said the family had adopted a reclusive lifestyle. It was believed the dead woman did not have direct contact with her brother and sister. “There are indications that the brother wasn't aware his sister had died until the body was discovered.”

Meanwhile, the independent Age Action Ireland said the death touched the family, relatives and the whole community which was faced with a common dilemma.

“The dilemma is: when is it appropriate to intrude on the private lives of others? Unfortunately it seems that a reluctance to intrude has become more common than a willingness to do so.”

Mr Murray said Age Action believed, in dealing with the elderly, it was better to risk embarrassment rather than feel later that a tragedy could have been averted. He asserted, however, Age Action was not making a judgement in any specific case.

“What we would be concerned about is getting the balance right between embarrassment and intrusion. It’s a delicate human skill, particularly in the case of elderly, when to intervene or not. We believe if friends or neighbours have a concern about any elderly person, they could contact social services, a public nurse or a GP. It’s important that people keep a watching eye.”

The Western Health Board said care and support was being provided to Ms Lyons’ sister, Mary Ellen, who was admitted to Mayo General Hospital suffering from malnutrition and a leg injury.

A spokesperson said that, in consultation with a GP, support and assistance will be offered to Mr Lyons or any other family members. Mr Lyons is staying with relatives. Swinford-based Supt O’Driscoll said the main concern is to ensure that the surviving brother and sister receive the necessary care and treatment.