Fire victim identified by dental records, coroner told

Sean O’Riordan

Mary Crowley’s body was found in her flat at No 6 Sheraton Court, off Glasheen Road, in the early hours of April 2 last.

Brian Coll, a man who was living nearby, saw flames coming from the apartment.

He said the key was in the door and he opened it. He shouted inside but had to retreat because of the heat.

The fire brigade was quickly on the scene and discovered the remains of the woman.

Cork City Fire Brigade Third Officer Noel Rawley told coroner Dr Myra Cullinane the fire had probably started less than an hour before the alarm was raised.

Det Gda Regina Donnelly carried out a forensic examination and ruled out arson or an electrical fault.

She said it was possible a cigarette stub had caused the fire.

Ms Crowley’s brother John said he heard about the fire on a radio bulletin later that morning and he rushed to the scene.

He was advised not to enter the building and shortly before 11.30am his sister’s body was removed to Cork University Hospital.

“She was in deteriorating health, not looking after herself,” Mr Crowley said.

A post mortem showed that she died of carbon monoxide poisoning and the coroner returned a verdict of accidental death.