The death of an Irish woman whose body was found on a beach in England weeks after her disappearance in Dublin has been described as “a mystery” during an inquest.
Ernadette Mary Connolly (49) was reported missing on January 7 after her coat and bag were found on Donabate beach in Dublin.
Four weeks later, on February 4, a body washed up in Blackpool and DNA analysis confirmed it was her.
Ms Connolly, of Berwick Avenue, Swords, was last seen being dropped off by a taxi at the Shoreline Hotel in Donabate shortly before noon on 7 January.
She walked to the entrance to Donabate Beach and less than an hour later took a photo on her phone of Malahide Bay.
Her coat, purse and phone were later found in the sand.
During the inquest at Blackpool Town Hall, senior coroner Alan Wilson learned that Ms Connolly had “no mental health issues” and her family insisted she should not have killed herself.
The coroner said: “Bernadette Connolly went unexpectedly missing on January 7.
“Her clothing was found on Donabate beach and despite an extensive search, she could not be found until the afternoon of Friday, February 4, when her body was found through the seawall in Blackpool.
“This lady had been found because the tide had abated and there was nothing to indicate that she had been the victim of a crime. She probably went into the sea, but it’s not clear how or why.
“This lady had a lot to look forward to. She had a new career, she had no financial worries, she had a loving family, she had a merry Christmas and she had recently paid for her health insurance. Did she die by her own actions or did she intend to end her life? I can’t say that.”
An investigation led by Gardaí with assistance from Lancashire Police concluded that there were no suspicious circumstances or indications of third party involvement.
A pathologist was unable to determine a medical cause of death due to the “extensive decomposition” of her remains.
dr. Ellen Jones, Mrs. Connolly’s GP, said the mother of one has “never said anything about ending her own life”.
The day before she went missing, she paid a ‘not insignificant’ contribution to her health insurance premium.
The inquest learned that Ms Connolly, who had worked as a security guard at Dublin Airport for 17 years, lived with her parents and her daughter Jade, who her mother described as “intelligent, independent and kind”.
She added: “Our bond is unbreakable, it’s so, so strong. We are the best of friends who have laughed a lot, cried a lot, shared highs and lows.
“Countless memories will live on forever and I promise to make many more for us… I want to say how proud I am to be your daughter. My teacher, my protector, my world.”