Homeless man and woman both drowned, inquest in Cork hears

A homeless man and woman, whose bodies were recovered close together from the River Lee in Cork just before Christmas, both died from drowning, an inquest has heard.

Paddy O'Driscoll (53) and Michelle O'Riordan (27) were both recovered from the River Lee near the Port of Cork sign at Custom House Quay on December 14th last.

A search operation had been launched for Ms O'Riordan, who was originally from Lagan Grove in Mayfield, after she had been reported missing by her father in early December.

Ms O’Riordan had been homeless for some time while Mr O’Driscoll from Marsh Road in Skibbereen had been sleeping rough in Cork for a number of years.

Their bodies were recovered in close proximity to each other at Customs House Quay by Naval Service divers following a major search operation of the River Lee.

On Thursday at Cork City Coroner’s Court, it emerged that the bodies of both deceased had been in the water for some time and they were identified through dental records.

Assistant State Pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster said that both Ms O'Riordan, and Mr O'Driscoll died from acute cardio-respiratory failure due to drowning.

Sgt Fergus Twomey said that a file on the two deaths is nearing completion and he applied to have the inquest adjourned pending it being forwarded to the DPP for direction.

Cork City Coroner, Dr Myra Cullinane granted the application and adjourned the inquests into both deaths until September 10th next for mention.