Coroner clarifies comments he made following mine death

South Tipperary Coroner Paul Morris has clarified comments he made at the recent inquest into the death of a 47 year-old miner from Two-Mile-Borris, who took his own life in an explosion at Lisheen Mine near Moyne two years ago.

Speaking at the call over of the inquests list at Clonmel Courthouse on Monday, Mr Morris said he had conducted the inquest into the death of Joseph Fallon at the courthouse on February 8 last.

He outlined that several weeks after the completion of the inquest, it was brought to his attention that some of the remarks he made in the course of the summing up, and which were the subject matter of publicity in the media, may have been capable of being construed as attributing blame to Lisheen Mine for the death of the deceased.

“That was never my intention,” he said. “If the record of proceedings were left uncorrected, an injustice, albeit unintended, could be done to the mine.

“Accordingly, in the spirit of the principles of “Justice should be done and be seen to be done” and “Justice delayed is justice denied”, any remarks made by me in the course of my summing up that tended to or might by capable of attributing blame to Lisheen Mine for the death of the deceased are hereby withdrawn. 
“It is only proper, therefore, that I tender an apology for any distress such remarks may have caused.”

Mr Morris added that it was his earnest wish at all times that an inquest should not only establish the truth, but in doing so do justice to all concerned, and hopefully be helpful in the healing process for all those adversely affected by the death of a deceased person.