The inquest has taken place in Tralee into the deaths of an elderly couple found dead at their home in Kenmare four years ago.
Coroner for Kerry, Aisling Quilter, returned a verdict of suicide at the inquest into the deaths of Tony and Phyllis Gilbert at the coroner's court this morning.
The couple, who moved from the UK to Kenmare in the 1990s, were found dead in their home in Dromnevane, Kenmare, on 14th November 2021.
Garda James Hendrick gave evidence that at 10:20am on 14th November 2021, he responded to a phone call by the couple’s daughter-in-law, Beryl Gilbert.
Beryl Gilbert said her parents-in-law lived at Dromnevane, Kenmare, and she had found a note on the door of their house.
Garda Hendrick attended the scene, and told the inquest that the note indicated that both parties would be deceased inside.
He said he found Tony and Phyllis Gilbert in their bedroom on separate beds; both were pale with no visible marks, and rigor mortis had set in in both Mr and Mrs Gilbert.
Answering questions from Coroner Aisling Quilter, Garda Hendrick said there was no sign of any struggle, nor any sign either was restrained in any way.
As well as the note on the door, the couple left two audio recordings; one for the coroner, and one for the executor of their wills.
Dr Linda Mulligan, who had carried out post-mortem examinations on the couple, told the inquest that Phyllis Gilbert was suffering from end-stage pancreatic cancer, which had spread to other organs and would have caused her severe discomfort.
Dr Mulligan gave evidence that both had died from poisoning.
Coroner for Kerry, Aisling Quilter, said both made plans before their deaths, including making wills in the days beforehand.
She said Ms Gilbert was very unwell, suffering from terminal cancer, and was severely debilitated.
Ms Quilter returned a verdict of suicide in the cases of both Mr and Mrs Gilbert, and offered her condolences to their family.
If anyone is affected by this story, you can freephone the Samaritans on 116 123 or Mental Health Information Line 1800 111 888.
