Elderly farmer found dead at home had lived in harrowing conditions, inquest hears 

The alarm was raised by concerned neighbours when he failed to attend Mass, an inquest heard. 

Giving evidence, Garda Aisling McLoughlin told the inquest that she attended the scene following a report of a sudden death. Upon entering the property, she observed that the house was in a serious state of disrepair.

An elderly Roscommon farmer who lived alone in a house described as being in a serious state of disrepair was found dead in his home early last year after concerned neighbours noticed he was missing from Sunday Mass, an inquest has heard.

The inquest at Ballaghaderreen heard that the deceased had been living in extremely poor conditions in a house where there was no electricity in much of the building, no back door, and a large section of the roof had collapsed and was open to the elements.

Although he was regarded as a good neighbour, evidence was heard that he was a private man who did not like people entering his home. He had no family living in the area.

The inquest heard he had an issue with hoarding, as there were boxes, papers, and general rubbish all over the house, including ashes and bags of turf, and the house looked like no one lived in it.

It heard that his last recorded visit to his GP was over a decade ago and, while neighbours did check on him, no one had entered the house in years.

The inquest was told that neighbours had to place a board over the entrance to allow gardaí to enter the house that morning as it was covered in mud and water.

Evidence was given that he had not been seen since the Thursday evening before his death.

Neighbours raise the alarm

The alarm was raised by concerned neighbours when he failed to attend Mass on the Sunday morning.

It was unusual for him to miss weekly Mass, and they had not seen him for several days.

One neighbour, in his deposition to the inquest, said he entered the house and found the man lying at the bottom of the stairs between the hallway and sitting-room.

Giving evidence, Garda Aisling McLoughlin told the inquest that she attended the scene following a report of a sudden death. Upon entering the property, she observed that the house was in a serious state of disrepair.

She said a substantial section of the roof was missing and the dwelling showed signs of severe hoarding.

There was also no electricity available throughout most of the house.

Garda McLoughlin discovered the man’s body at the bottom of the stairs lying on his back with his head resting on a metal bucket containing ashes from an open fire, and he was holding a torch in one hand.

There appeared to be no electricity in that part of the house.

Garda McLoughlin notified the coroner and called the local priest who came to the scene to administer the last rites. 

Cause of death

Dr Wasi Muhammad attended the scene and pronounced death at 3.47pm. 

Consultant pathologist Dr Aliaa Shalaby told the inquest that a post-mortem examination found that the most likely cause of death was a suspected fatal cardiac arrhythmia, secondary to acute coronary insufficiency caused by moderate occlusive coronary atheroma.

Returning a verdict of misadventure, Roscommon Coroner Brian O’Connor said the cause of death was in accordance with the medical evidence presented by the pathologist.

Mr O’Connor extended his sympathies to the man’s family and thanked the neighbour who attended the inquest and had kept an eye out for him.

Presenting Sergeant Kevin Corcoran also extended his condolences to the deceased’s family.

• Roscommon Herald