A coroner in the midlands has said that suicide in Ireland is reaching epidemic proportions after five of seven inquests heard in his court were suicides.
Brian Mahon, Coroner for Co Offaly, made the claim in Tullamore today after his court was dominated by suicide cases.
Mr Mahon heard evidence in the cases of three people who hanged themselves, and two who ended their lives by gunshot.
The coroner said tragic cases like this were all too common in his court.


















