Robert drowned at Cullenstown beach

A verdict of accidental death was returned at the inquest into the death of Gerald Robert Murphy (42), of The Commons, Duncormick, who died by drowning at Cullenstown Beach on August 30 last year.

Garda Sean O’Neill said the body of Mr Murphy was found on the rocks at Cullenstown Beach by his brother, Michael, and his brother-in-law Aidan Byrne. Mr Murphy was in his swimming shorts and his clothes were on the beach. In his deposition Aidan Byrne said he received a call to say Mr Murphy was missing at around 3 p.m. and they found his body at around 6 p.m.

In her deposition, Mr Murphy’s wife Clara said she was teaching in Rathangan NS that day. That morning she left her husband and two children at home and when she rang at 11 a.m. her husband said he had left his wallet in her car and wouldn’t be able to lodge a cheque. She went home with his wallet at 1 p.m. and he was hanging out clothes.

When she returned home at 3.10 p.m. her husband had popped out, according to her daughter. Mrs Murphy rang Mr Byrne to see if he was there but he said he hadn’t seen him. Her brother Michael said he’d go to Cullenstown Beach. On arrival he saw the jeep parked up and Mrs Murphy asked him to check on him.

Mrs Murphy said that her husband often liked to swim in Cullenstown.

Pathologist Dr Rob Landers said death was due to drowning. Coroner Dr Sean Nixon said that while Mr Murphy had been on anti-depressants, he had been in very good form and it was quite common for him to swim at Cullenstown.

He recommended the jury of six men return a verdict of accidental death by drowning which they did. Dr Nixon extended sympathy to Mr Murphy’s family on their loss as did Inspector Foley and the jury.