In Limerick, a tragic incident involving the death of John Murphy, a 65-year-old inmate of the Limerick District Lunatic Asylum, was subject to an inquest held on a Saturday. The inquest was conducted by Mr Coroner De Courcey and featured a jury, with Mr James Flyon serving as the foreman.

The circumstances leading to John Murphy’s demise were examined closely during the proceedings. Murphy had been awaiting trial on a charge of attempted suicide and was transferred from Limerick Prison to the asylum on the 14th of the month. Sadly, he passed away shortly after this transfer.

Head-Constable Moore took charge of the inquiry, overseeing the collection of evidence from various witnesses. Mr M. O’Sullivan, the Governor of Limerick Prison, provided testimony indicating that Murphy had been admitted to the prison on the 15th of April, facing charges related to attempted suicide. He had originally come from Ennis. Following several remands, Murphy was scheduled for trial on the 6th of the current month. However, Judge Carton decided to postpone the hearing, rescheduling it for the upcoming Clare Assizes.

Throughout his stay at the prison, staff noticed that Murphy was suffering from delusions, particularly after his return from the court proceedings. On the 14th of the month, he was removed from the prison and transferred to the asylum after being certified as mentally deranged.

Dr McGrath, the medical attendant at the gaol, testified that Murphy had been confined to the hospital section of the prison since his committal. He was not suffering from any physical ailments but exhibited signs of mental distress, likely due to his advancing age. On the 14th of the month, following certification from both Dr McGrath and Dr O’Neill, Murphy was transferred to the asylum. The cause of death was attributed to heart failure.

Dr O’Neill, the Resident Medical Superintendent of the Asylum, concurred with Dr McGrath regarding the cause of death.

Following a careful examination of the evidence presented, the jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical findings, confirming that the cause of death was heart failure. This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by individuals struggling with mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of providing appropriate care and support for those in need.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 19 June 1906