Mother of gang victim found dead in tragic circumstances

The mother of a man who died in a notorious gang murder four years ago was found dead in tragic circumstances, an inquest has heard.

The body of Marie Cronin, aged 41, was discovered in a shed at the rear of her home at Colbert Avenue, Janesboro on Oct 5.

Her son, James Cronin, aged 20, was found in a shallow grave near Ballinacurra Weston in April 2008.

He had been shot in the head. Gardaí suspect the McCarthy-Dundon gang, to which he was linked, carried out the murder. It is believed they feared he might make a statement to gardaí about the murder days earlier of Mark Moloney in Garryowen.

Mr Cronin was suspected of being involved in that murder, for which nobody has been charged.

Ms Cronin, had been in a relationship with Kilrush businessman Anthony Kelly, who was acquitted of the murder of security guard Brian Fitzgerald, who was shot at his home in Corbally in Nov 2002.

James Martin Cahill and Gary Campion were jailed for life for the murder.

The inquest into the death of Ms Cronin was yesterday told she was discovered in a shed at the rear of her house.

Deputy state pathologist Khalid Jaber’s autopsy found Ms Cronin died from asphyxia, with associated acute alcohol intoxication.

She had been in good form that day and the friend who found her body brought her some drink, the inquest heard.

Limerick city coroner John McNamara, addressing the jury, said there was no evidence of a note and alcohol level would be relevant as regard to intent.

He said to bring in a suicide verdict the jury would have to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Ms Cronin intended to take her own life. If they were not satisfied, they could return an open verdict.

An open verdict was returned.