A WEST CORK coroner pleaded yesterday for foreign nationals to continue visiting the area despite what he described as the "tragic killing" last December of Ms Sophie Toscan du Plantier.
Ms du Plantier's body was found just before Christmas in a laneway close to her holiday home outside Schull. She had suffered severe head and facial injuries. The 38 year old French woman was a popular visitor to the area.
Yesterday, the State Pathologist, Dr John Harbison, giving evidence before the coroner, Mr Colm Quigley, said that Ms du Plantier had been killed with a blunt instrument.
Her death had resulted from multiple head injuries, including laceration of the brain and a skull fracture.
Dr Harbison said he first examined the body at the scene on December 24th last. Ms du Plantier had shoulder length dark hair. Her head, shoulders and arms - were heavily bloodstained. Later, the body was identified to him at Cork University Hospital by DetGarda Pat Joy, of Bantry, and a post mortem examination was carried out.
The coroner granted a Garda application for an adjournment of the inquest until September 26th on the grounds that the investigation into Ms du Plantier's death was continuing. Nobody has been charged with the killing.
The coroner said that Ms du Plantier's death was particularly tragic. She had come to a part of west Cork renowned for its peace and tranquillity, to enjoy its hospitality and wonderful scenery. Her death was an isolated incident, he added, and had left the people of the area with a deep sense of shock and resentment that something so awful could happen within their own community.
Mr Quigley said he wished to assure Ms du Plantier's relatives and friends, and anyone who might be considering a holiday in west Cork, that they were most welcome there.
"The tragic death has caused great unease, but I want to assure potential visitors that west Cork is quiet, safe and welcoming. I want on this occasion to extend my very sincere sympathy to Ms du Plantier's next of kin and to assure them that everything will be done to bring this case to finality," the coroner said.