This article is from page 6 of the 2006-09-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
THE coroner’s court in Ennis last Wednesday returned an open verdict in the death of east Clare man, John Leonard.
Mr Leonard of Knockbeha, Caher drowned in the River Graney on June 12 last.
Mr Leonard had not returned from a fishing trip when his wife Margaret contacted gardaí. Mr Leonard’s body was found following an intensive search of the River Graney. His car had been spotted near the river by the search party.
In her verdict, County Coroner Isobel O’Dea, said that she would return an open verdict in the case. She said, “While there is no evidence how Mr Leonard entered the water, it is clear that he had no intention to commit suicide.
“Mr Leonard was found with his fishing rod in his hand. There was nothing suspicious about it. There is no evidence that he took his own life in any fashion.
She added, “It was a very warm day. He was wearing wellingtons at the time and he may not have known how deep he was going in the water and would have made it difficult to get out of the water.”
In his evidence, Dr Peter Fawl said that Mr Leonard died from asphyxia brought about by drowning. The coroner’s court was told that Mr Leonard was a married man and worked as a truck-driver.
In her deposition, John’s wife, Margaret said that the last time they spoke was 6.30pm the night before, when John said that he was fishing near a bridge at Caher.
At the inquest, Margaret was comforted by John’s brother, Paul who gave evidence on formally identifying John’s body.