Gardaí investigating the death of a 35-year-old woman following a suspected gas leak at a Co Cork hotel say further pathology tests need to be carried out before they know conclusively how Miriam Reidy died.
It is also understood that gardaí will investigate reports that Ms Reidy, who was originally from Ballyhahill, Co Limerick, had sought medical attention early yesterday morning before she and her sister were found unconscious in their hotel bedroom at lunchtime.
Her sister, Patricia, who had been in a critical condition in hospital, is now stable. Her family are said to be with her.
Throughout today, the Trident Hotel in Kinsale remained cordoned off as gardaí carry out a technical examination into the suspected gas leak. It is likely to remain so for a number of days.
Gardaí have also sought the help of Independent technical experts from England used to investigating gas leaks. They are due at the scene tomorrow.
Ms Reidy, who worked with Allied Irish Banks, was in Kinsale, along with her sister Patricia and some 25 other women, to celebrate the forthcoming wedding of her first cousin.
It has also emerged that a woman - who was not a member of the hen party - was hospitalised the night before Ms Reidy’s death after she complained of nausea, headaches and breathlessness.
She and her partner are understood to have been in the bedroom directly above the sisters' room in the 75-bedroom hotel. Whether the two incidents are connected will also form part of the garda investigation.
Fr Gerard O'Leary, who is the family's parish priest in Ballyhahill, said for a social weekend to end up in such tragedy is unimaginable.
He said his thoughts and prayers are with the Reidy family in this time of great sadness and suffering.
