End of an era for coronial service in Mayo is marked

Legal and health professionals, family and friends gathered in Swinford Courthouse last week to bid farewell to Pat O’Connor on his last sitting as Coroner for the District of Mayo.

In a parting address, Mr. O’Connor said: “This is an important day in my life, the end of an era in my professional career as a coroner.

“I have served for 46 years in the coronial service in Ireland, 38 years as an appointed coroner, more recently as the first coroner for the coronial district of Mayo.”

Mr. O’Connor’s address was greeted with a standing ovation.

Fulsome tributes were paid to the retiring coroner for his professionalism, kindness and understanding to bereaved families over the decades.

The speakers included Catherine Bourke, President of the Mayo Solicitors Bar Association (MSBA), Diarmuid Connolly (Bar Association), Inspector Naomi De Rís and Sergeant Conor Drury (An Garda Síochána), pathologist Dr. Fadel Bennani, Sean Derrig, mortuary staff, Mayo University Hospital, John Geary, solicitor, Padraic Brennan, RDJ Solicitors, Samantha Geraghty, managing partner, P. O’Connor & Son, John Geary, solicitor, and Tom Shiel and Eavan Murray, on behalf of the press.

Following the conclusion of the sitting, members of An Garda Síochána hosted a special reception to mark the occasion in the local garda station.

Mr. O’Connor’s son, William, has taken up the position as acting coroner for The District of Mayo.

A decision on a permanent replacement will be made by the Department of Justice at a later stage.

PHOTO: Pictured on Pat O’Connor’s retirement as coroner at Swinford Courthouse were, at front, from left: Shirley Prendergast (P. O’Connor & Son, Solicitors), Maura Kennedy (POC & Son), Brendan Donnelly (West Lex Solicitors), Pat O'Connor, Catherine Bourke (MSBA), Padraic Brennan (RDJ Solicitors), David O’Malley (Callan Tansey Solicitors), Paul Cunney (Paul J. Cunney & Co., Solicitors) and Michael Smyth (West Lex Solicitors). At back: Siobhan Durcan (POC & Son), Dr. Fadel Bennani (pathologist), Sean Derrig (pathology staff), Samantha Geraghty (managing partner, P. O’Connor & Son, Solicitors), Diarmuid Connolly, BL (Bar Association), Aileen McGing (POC & Son), Darragh McDonagh (barrister) and Rory Langan (POC & Son). PHOTO: CONOR MCKEOWN