An inquest into the deaths of a husband and wife in Co Clare two years ago has returned an open verdict into the death of the woman while a verdict of suicide was returned in the case of the man.
Claire and Joe Collins, who were aged in their 50s, lived at Crossard, Kilnaboy.
They were found dead on the afternoon of 9 November 2023 by Joe's brother, Brian Collins, who had gone to the house by prior arrangement, and he alerted the emergency services.
When they arrived, gardaí found the front door of the house open and a note on the stairway, which said to check upstairs and outside.
Garda Sergeant Dominic Regan, attached to Ennis Garda Station, found Claire Collins lying fully clothed on a bed upstairs and there was no sign of life.
He said at the back of the house he found Joe Collins lying on the ground. He was also lifeless.
The inquest also heard that a man, who sounded frustrated, called the ambulance service at around 3am, indicating there had been a family tragedy at the Collins home address, and to send an ambulance.
He provided his wife's mobile number but ambulance staff could not reach him on calling back twice.
The inquest heard that changes in the call protocol by the ambulance services had been put in place since the incident.
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Giving medical evidence, pathologist Dr Margot Bolster said Claire Collins died from asphyxia consistent with being smothering by a third party, and there was also evidence of defensive wounds on her wrists.
She said Joe Collins died from asphyxia.
In both cases, she said, they would have lost consciousness very quickly.
Coroner Isobel O'Dea said the appropriate verdicts were an open verdict in the case of Claire Collins as the evidence showed it was not an accident or self-inflicted and not a suicide.
A verdict of suicide was returned in the case of Joe Collins. Both verdicts were affirmed by a jury.
She sympathised with the couple's daughters, Tara and Sara, and said there are no words to describe how tragic this case was, but, that said, she hoped the inquest can give them some closure.
She said the evidence was that neither Claire nor Joe suffered unduly.
In a statement read by her on behalf of the Collins family, they said they are still trying to process the grief and loss of Joe and Claire which was deeply painful.
They were irreplaceable people and the family are trying to rebuild their lives.
If you have been affected by the issues raised, a list of helplines can be found here.
Samaritans provides support 24 hours a day.
www.samaritans.ie
Helpline: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.ie
