Verdicts of suicide have been returned at the inquest into the deaths of an elderly couple who were found dead at their home in Kenmare, Co Kerry almost four years ago.
The bodies of Tony and Phyllis Gilbert, who were both aged in their early 80s, were discovered inside their home in the Dromneavane estate in November 2021.
The couple had moved to Kenmare from the UK over 30 years ago and had played an active role in the community.
Mr Gilbert had owned an engraving and stained-glass business at Henry Street in the town.
The inquest into their deaths was held by the Coroner for Co Kerry, Aisling Quilter at Tralee Courthouse this morning.
Chief State Pathologist, Professor Linda Mulligan told the inquest that based on a toxicological analysis, the couple died as a result of poisoning.
Professor Mulligan also said there were no marks or injuries found on their bodies, however, Ms Gilbert had been suffering from pancreatic cancer that had spread to other parts of her body.
Garda James Hendricks of Kenmare Garda Station told the inquest that he and a colleague responded to a call that came in from the couple's daughter-in-law, Beryl Gilbert on the morning of 14 November 2021.
Garda Hendricks said when he got to the couple’s home, a note was found on the door that stated that if all had gone to plan, both parties would be deceased in the property.
He told the inquest that he found the bodies of Mr and Ms Gilbert in separate beds in a downstairs room and there were no signs that there had been a struggle or that either person had been restrained.
The inquest heard that Mr Gilbert was last seen alive the previous afternoon and he seemed to be in "good form".
Garda Hendricks also said a tape recorder was found inside the property with a separate note stating for it to be brought to the attention of gardaí.
The inquest was later told that one of the recordings on the device had been taken at "various different stages" and made it clear that both Mr and Ms Gilbert had jointly made the decision to end their lives with the latter's declining health being the "main factor" in them doing so.
The couple’s daughter-in-law, Beryl Gilbert and their granddaughter, Felicity Gilbert also gave evidence before the inquest to say that it was clear that Phyllis Gilbert’s health had been deteriorating at the time.
The inquest was told that Ms Gilbert had previously suffered "a couple of stokes" and Mr Gilbert was her main carer.
The coroner was also told that the couple had been keeping to themselves due to the risk of catching Covid-19 at the time.
Ms Quilter said that it was evident that the couple had made plans before their deaths, including making efforts for their granddaughter to receive a substantial amount of money.
Returning a verdict of suicide in both cases, Ms Quilter said Ms Gilbert had been suffering from terminal cancer, and it was clear that the couple had been together for a long time and wished to end their lives.
The coroner then extended her sympathies to the couple’s family while Sergeant Aoife Dolan of Killarney Garda Station offered her condolences to the family on behalf of An Garda Síochána.
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