Family trying to rebuild shattered lives

THE family of Lorraine Flood said they were “endeavouring to rebuild their shattered lives” following the “tragic and horrific” deaths of Ms Flood and her two little children, Mark, 6, and Julie, 5.

In an emotive statement after the inquest, her brother Derek Kehoe said their lives had changed forever, and there was a “huge void” that could never be replaced.

Speaking with the support of his family, Mr Kehoe tearfully thanked everyone “most sincerely” for their ongoing kindness, support and prayers.

“Words cannot describe our shock and devastation following the tragic and horrific death of our beloved daughter and sister, Lorraine, and her precious children,” he said.

“With the help and support of our family, friends, neighbours and colleagues, to whom we are profoundly grateful, we are endeavouring to rebuild our shattered lives.

“Lorraine was truly an amazing daughter, sister, wife, and mother, and for anyone who met her during her short life, her memory will never fade. We love you Lorraine, Mark and Julie – you will always remain in our hearts.”

Coroner Dr Sean Nixon, in his summing up at the inquest in Ennis-corthy yesterday, said there was no suggestion from the evidence that Ms Flood was depressed.

She was in “great form” and had responded very well to the mild antidepressants she had been taking.

Dr Nixon said it was clear the Flood family were very close, that they had no financial or relationship difficulties, and that Ms Flood’s husband Diarmuid loved his wife and children.

He said no one would ever be able to explain the events that led to the deaths of the family, but that Mr Flood’s mind was “very disturbed”.

Familicide, he said, very often occurred in close-knit families, and was an act of caring and love rather than of destruction – though, the coroner added, it did not seem that way.