Man who killed wife and himself had borrowed heavily from banks, daughter tells inquest
A young woman has recalled how her father stabbed her mother to death and attacked her in the family home before killing himself,
A double inquest in Cork today into the deaths of Michael Greaney and his wife, Valerie, heard harrowing evidence from their eldest daughter, Michelle, about the horrific incident in their home in O'Neill Place, Cobh, on December 28, 2014.
Despite her injuries, she managed to escape the house shortly after her younger sister, Sarah, fled to safety.
Coroner Frank O'Connell was told that Mr Greaney had borrowed heavily from several banks before the boom to buy a number of investment properties.
The inquest was told that he was under considerable financial pressure, was embroiled in legal issues with the banks, and had become obsessed with money - all of which contributed to a mental breakdown.
In May 2013 he attacked a family member, and he attempted to take his own life after that incident and was detained at the Central Mental Hospital before being charged in June 2013 with assault causing harm and false imprisonment.
He was later found not guilty by reason of insanity and was detained at the Central Mental Hospital.
He was subsequently released under strict conditions which included that he not return to the family home.
However, following a court application which was supported by his family, the restrictions were lifted and he returned to the family home.
Within two months, he had attacked and his killed his wife, and attacked his daughter.
The inquest was told today that a post mortem confirmed that Ms Greaney died from a single stab wound to the chest. She had also suffered defensive wounds to the palms of her hands.
A post mortem on Mr Greaney's body confirmed that he had suffered two stab wounds to the chest - the second of which was fatal.
He had no defensive wounds and his injuries were in 'accessible sites for self-infliction', assistant state pathologist Dr Margot Bolster.
The jury returned a verdict that Ms Greaney died of injuries inflicted on her by another person, and that Mr Greaney, died of a self-inflicted stab wound.
Michelle and Sarah mourn the tremendous loss of Michael, a loving father and husband, and Valerie, a dearly loved and devoted wife and mother who supported Michael throughout his illness.
They do not seek to hold anybody or person responsible for this tragedy.
They wish to acknowledge and thank the services who were involved with Michael’s care and treatment, namely the Central Mental Hospital, the HSE and the Cork Mental Health Unit for all the care and attention they gave to their late father. The family would also wish to acknowledge the continued support offered to them by the HSE.
Having gone through all of the records made available to them, it is accepted that every professional who was involved throughout Michael’s treatment acted in his best interests, doing their utmost to assist in every way possible.
My clients have cooperated with the HSE inquiry commissioned to investigate the full extent of this tragedy and await the findings.
They especially hope that the relevant agencies in the Cork area have access to on-call forensic psychiatric assistance on a 24-hour basis.
The family will not be making any further comment in this matter and would ask the media to respect their privacy, as they have done to date.
The evening of December 28, 2014, was to bring the worst imaginable sadness into our lives, as a family.
Nothing could have ever prepared us enough in advance for the awful tragedy that was unfolding as the daylight hours turned to darkness on that cold wintry day.
While we all hear of such tragic happenings so often nowadays in the everyday news, we never expected to come to our own door.
But let us assure everyone that when it does, it brings heartbreak and devastating turmoil for the family members left behind.
The ripple effects of it include confusion, guilt, frustration and so many if onlys, buts and whys.
All of these emotions affect each member of the family in different ways.
It can be horrible and draining.
For our family, the enormity of the tragedy has had quite a profound effect on us individually and we have struggled with our emotions at times, and indeed we are still struggling.
We deeply regret the trauma and immense loss which Michelle, Sarah and Valerie’s extended family have all suffered and can only hope that time will heal their broken hearts.
We are indebted to Valerie’s sister, Hilda, and her husband Gerard, for their loving home and wonderful care which they have been providing to Michelle and Sarah since.
Some steps have been taken by the government in relation to the issue of mental health. But there is a lot more that needs to be done.
We ask the government to act sooner, rather than later, and step up to its responsibilities in providing the necessary funding, supports and services to help stem this awful epidemic which is in most counties in the country today.
We thank the gardai, emergency services, CUH and all who assisted in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.
To Carrignafoy College, to the people of Cobh, and to Michael and Valerie’s many friends, and indeed our friends, we thank them all so much for sharing in the sorrow and grief.
We will no doubt always remember the happy times we shared and treasure their memory.
May their gentle souls rest in peace.
We hope that when today concludes, that our grieving can progress and we ask the media to respect our privacy.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
