A gynaecologist in his forties who was based in Chicago died as he began climbing Croagh Patrick on Tuesday. Dr Thomas Connolly, who was accompanied with his wife, Dr Kim Connolly, and a number of others, collapsed and died at the statue of St Patrick as he started his ascent around midday.
First aid was administered, however he failed to respond. The Last Rites were performed by local priest, Fr Charlie McDonnell. Mr Connolly was brought by ambulance to Mayo General Hospital.
A brief inquest was conducted by the Coroner John O’Dwyer on Tuesday evening in order to facilitate the repatriation of the remains.
Dr Fadel Bennani, consultant pathologist at Mayo General Hospital, who carried out a post mortem, told the inquest that Dr Connolly had died suddenly and peacefully from acute coronary occlusion.
