No dignity even in death

Neglect and filth marked Evelyn Joel's passing, writes Catherine Shanahan.

GLEAMING like a new pin in the dazzling January sunshine, there was nothing in its appearance to suggest the town of Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, was yesterday buckling under a dark tale.

But as you got closer, the image changed. Driving into the council house estate of Cluain Dara, in the Gimont area of the town, a gaggle of women, babies and buggies had congregated outside one particular house. Number 37 was the scene of what had brought them all outdoors. It was here that 59-year-old Enniscorthy native Evelyn Joel, née Connolly, had lain for months in her bed, seemingly starving to death.