An inquest into the deaths of three sisters and their aunt in Leixlip last July has concluded they died by suicide as a result of starvation.
The bodies of Josephine, Ruth and Catherine Mulrooney (also known by the surname Feeney) and their aunt, Frances, were found by their landlord on July 12th last year at 12 Rinawade Grove, Leixlip.
The jury at Naas Coroner's Court decided that Ruth (51) died on or around June 17th as a result of suicide by starvation.
They found that the eldest of the women, 83-year-old Frances, died around June 15th as a result of bronchial pneumonia brought on by starvation.
Ruth's twin sister, Catherine, was probably last to die, also from suicide by starvation, around June 30th. Their younger sister, Josephine (46), died from "heart failure brought on by starvation", the jury concluded.
In all cases, the jury made no recommendation as a result of the deaths.
Earlier Dr Marie Cassidy, Assistant State Pathologist, said that Frances, aunt of the three sisters, could have been dead for several weeks and was likely the first of the four to die. Catherine, Ruth's twin sister, also died of starvation and was probably the last to die.
The inquest heard from experts that there was nothing wrong with the central heating system or the construction of the house.
Mr Kevin Kellett, of Bord Gais, said he tested the system and found it working properly. Mr Liam Reidy, a Kildare County Council engineer, said the house was built in substantial compliance with regulations.
Prof Paul McLoughlin, a UCD associate professor of physiology, said there was no evidence of carbon monoxide poisoning, and any dangerous gas could have escaped into the open air.
Sections of letters and notes by Ruth were read out to the inquest. In one of them she told a friend, Sean Doherty, there was no happiness here on Earth. Everything was transient, unlike in the higher realm. "Until we meet again I will watch over you. Do not grieve for me," it said.
There was also a note to Frances Hay, saying Ruth, Frances (her aunt), Kate and Jo would look after her. This was dated June 11th, 2000, and she left a note asking "some kind person" to pass it on.
The inquest also heard of a note by Ruth to Josephine which included the statement: "We are 36 days not eating".