THE FAMILY of a woman who died in a suspected case of carbon-monoxide poisoning at a Kinsale hotel last weekend have spoken of their “deep sorrow”.
Miriam Reidy’s family and partner Pio Boyle last night issued a statement thanking people who have supported them and offered prayers.
“Miriam was a wonderful daughter, a thoughtful and kind sister and friend, the love of Pio’s life, a cherished sister-in-law and a very special auntie and god-mother to Donnchadh and Thomas.
“She will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by her many friends and relations who shared her life and by her work colleagues in AIB bank. There are no words to describe the tragic loss of Miriam.
“We thank God that Patricia was spared and would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks for all the prayers and support we have received during this very difficult time.
“To quote Helen Keller: ‘The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within the heart’,” said the family.
Gardaí have begun interviewing other hotel guests and staff in an attempt to find out how exactly Ms Reidy died. A team of officers under Supt Eddie MacEoin of Bandon Garda station has begun identifying the 70-plus guests who were staying at the Trident that weekend.
Gardaí have also begun taking statements from the 40 or so staff, and Trident managing director Hal McElroy has confirmed that hotel management and staff are co-operating fully with gardaí.
Mr McElroy said: “Our sincere thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies remain with the Reidy family and friends at this very difficult time as they come to terms with the tragic loss of Miriam and support Patricia in her fight for recovery.”
Miriam Reidy was one of four friends attending a hen party in Kinsale, who stayed in the Trident. She was found unconscious along with her sister Patricia at around 2pm on Sunday. Miriam Reidy was pronounced dead at the scene, while her sister was rushed to Cork University Hospital where she continues to make progress.
Meanwhile, a British consulting engineer brought in by gardaí to examine the Trident’s LPG-fuelled boiler and heating system was yesterday continuing to carry out tests to see if the boiler was producing carbon-monoxide and whether it could have seeped into the room occupied by the women.
