A father of three who worked with the Electricity Supply Board for over 30 years died from exposure to asbestos, an inquest heard yesterday.
Michael Clohessy (53), Killcross Lawns, Sandyford, Dublin, had worked for the ESB as a linesman for 33 years prior to his death on December 6th, 2003.
His widow, Teresa, told the Dublin City Coroner's Court: "He did say to the ESB he couldn't breathe after cutting copper pipes. He was with the ESB his whole working life."
The family's solicitor, Peter Duff, said the ESB was Mr Clohessy's prime employer during his entire lifetime.
The court heard that Mr Clohessy had died from a mesothelioma tumour in the lungs, which in 90 to 95 per cent of cases is associated with exposure to asbestos.
Mr Clohessy complained of shortness of breath in 2001 and was originally treated in several hospitals, including chemotherapy treatment, for a regular form of lung cancer.
He was transferred to Our Lady's Hospice in Harold's Cross in March 2002, where he remained until his death in December 2003.
Mr Duff said: "Mr Clohessy confounded doctors. One of the hallmarks of this disease is it is usually very virulent and can strike a person down within two months."
The coroner, Dr Brian Farrell, said that when Mr Clohessy died, a biopsy revealed an unusual mesothelioma tumour rather than ordinary lung cancer.
"When he died, a report to our office indicated exposure to asbestos during his occupational lifetime."
In an autopsy report, State Pathologist Prof Marie Cassidy said she found encrusted fragments in the lungs and queried whether it was asbestos fibres.
Dr Louise Burke, of Cork University Hospital, also confirmed it was a mesothelioma tumour, which was often associated with asbestos. The court heard that a mesothelioma tumour can result from exposure to asbestos some 20 to 40 years previously. - (PA)