Top historian ‘gave a salute’ before suicide

P OPULAR historian Shane Mac Thomáis gave a final salute before he took his own life in Glasnevin Cemetery, an inquest has heard.

The 46-year-old was found hanged at the cemetery where he was the chief historian and tour guide on March 20 last year. Dublin Coroner’s Court heard he was seen on CCTV entering the cemetery via a staff entrance at around 7pm the night before. Garda Tara Dolan said footage showed him walking toward the main part of the cemetery. ‘ He then turns around, salutes to the camera and walks away,’ she told the coroner.

At his funeral, his death was likened to ‘a library burning down’ as he was seen as the face of Glasnevin Cemetery.

The Stoneybatter native was last seen in person by his friend Kieran White, who met him on the Cabra Road about a half an hour before he went into the cemetery. He said they walked together for a while and had a general chat.

‘He told me he was going for the peace and quiet of the cemetery. He was going to do some writing,’ he said.

The body was found the following day by mourners attending a funeral. Coroner Dr Brian Farrell heard that a number of ‘farewell’ notes were found on his person. The father of one had a lifelong struggle with depression and had overcome a drug addiction, his inquest heard. A verdict of death by suicide was given.