A FATHER has told how he saw that his “beautiful daughter had been mutilated” when he identified her body after she had been found murdered.
Micheál Cunningham gave evidence yesterday at the inquest into the death of his daughter Ciara Ní Chathmhaoil (22), who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend at her home in Ardmore Gardens, Carlow, on November 12th, 2007.
Carlow Coroner’s Court heard that a week before her death, the deceased had attempted to split with her boyfriend, Gordon Molloy (24), who was jailed for life earlier this year for her murder.
Coroner Brendan Doyle said it was a “very gruesome case” and that there were “horrific injuries” sustained which were “probably the most gruesome injuries I have ever come across . . . as coroner”.
The jury returned a verdict of death by unlawful killing.
Speaking outside the Coroner’s Court, the deceased’s parents, Micheál and Patricia Cunningham, said: “The pain is still unbearable. The legal part is over today, but it will never be over for us.”
At the accused’s trial for murder, the court had heard how Molloy, of Ballinakill, Ballickmoyler, Co Laois, stabbed the victim repeatedly and had left her naked body in the bath of her rented home where she lived with her son.
The Coroner’s Court heard that Molloy was “jealous” and “behaved like a spoiled child” when his victim had attempted to end their relationship.