Woman died after falling down stairs of holiday home in Mulranny

A VERDICT of accidental death has been returned by the Coroner for Mayo, Patrick O'Connor, on a woman who apparently fell down the stairs of her family's holiday home in Mulranny last November.

Seventy-five-year old Brenda Auchmuty's body was found by a local keyholder who kicked in her front door on November 11 after her husband, Denzil, became worried that she had not returned to their home in Galway City as arranged.

The Auchmuty family live at Lisbeg Lawns, Renmore, Galway.

Garda Tomás Ryan told an inquest in Castlebar today that Mrs. Auchmuty's body was found at the bottom of the stairs and and it appeared she had fallen as there were slippers on two different steps near the top.

Dr. Tamas Nemeth, consultant pathologist, who carried out a post mortem examination at Mayo University Hospital, said the cause of death was multiple injuries - including a fractured skull - consistent with a fall.

Dawn Auchmuty, a daughter of the deceased, described her as thoughtful and helpful, a person whose strong faith in God was instilled in all her family.

The coroner returned a verdict of accidental death in accordance with the medical evidence.

At the conclusion of the hearing, Mrs. Auchmuty's son John, a Church of Ireland Canon of Down Cathedral, said the family was grateful to all who had supported them in their difficult time. He promised his mother's legacy will be continued.