Irish Examiner view: Minimising all risks is an impossible task

We might like to think we can mitigate all dangers and protect people from themselves, and we should give that aim our best endeavours, but noting the fragility of existence, it is a mission doomed to fail

Unprotected quays in Cork city include Kennedy Quay. Picture: Dan Linehan

Fulfilling the role of coroner can be one of Ireland’s tougher tasks. Sitting through hours of evidence, much of it grisly and highly forensic in its detail; listening to accounts which can be both sad and depressing; reaching decisions which shed light on what has happened.

These are duties which can be undertaken in the most challenging and complex of circumstances. Last year, the Cork office reported that the number of cases it has handled has trebled since 2014, with consequential increases in inquests and autopsies.