An inquest in Limerick was told that a retired shopkeeper, Mr Patrick Gallagher (63), whose body was found at his home in Edward Street, Limerick, had been dead at least three months. He was unmarried and lived alone.
Garda Jim Cummins said that with Garda Michael Houlihan, he forced the door. The deceased was fully clothed but without shoes. The television was on. From the evidence in the house and from neighbours, the body had been there since some time in August.
Dr Geoffrey De Freitas, Limerick Regional Hospital, said the body was too badly decomposed to determine the cause of death. An open verdict was returned.
