Mayo woman accidentally drove into lake, inquest rules

A verdict of accidental death has been recorded at the inquest into the death of a woman whose car entered an East Mayo lake.

The body of Jacqueline Commins (nee Giblin), aged 58, of Derryronane, Swinford was found on April 17, 2023, three days after she was reported missing.

Divers found the remains of the mother-of-two in her car in Urlaur Lake, near Kilkelly, after a member of the public contacted Gardaí following a public appeal for information. Niall Drudy recognised Ms Commins' photo on a social media post and contacted Ballina Garda Station to report that he spoke to Ms Commins at Urlaur Lake on April 14, 2023. Mr Drudy told gardaí he was about to go swimming when he observed Ms Commins driving near the pier.

"She asked me if you could park there," he said. "I asked her if she wanted me to reverse it for her."

Mr Drudy said Ms Commins appeared calm and replied: "Don't be worrying, get on with your day."

The inquest heard that Gda Dermot O'Connor attended the scene at 6.15pm and climbed to a gable point at the nearby Urlaur Abbey overlooking the lake from where he was able to observe a reflective object under the water. He guided diver Tony Boland, from Grainne Uaile Sub Aqua Club, to the part of the lake where he could see the the silver Volkswagen Golf. It was under three metres of water.

The body of the deceased woman was brought ashore at 6.50pm and she was formally identified by her brother-in-law Ciaran McBrien. A post-mortem confirmed death from asphyxia due to drowning.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Patrick O'Connor said there was no evidence of anything intentional. He complimented Gardaí, Sgt Drury, and the two divers for their assistance.

Mr McBrien thanked Gardaí, the emergency services and locals who searched extensively for Ms Commins for three days.

Mr O'Connor and Gda Sgt Sean McHale sympathised with the Commins’ family on their sad loss.