The body of a Co Mayo woman lay the bedroom she shared with her sister for a year after her death, an inquest heard today.
The two elderly sisters lived such a reclusive lifestyle that when one of them died it remained a secret not only to the local community but also a brother with whom they shared a rural bungalow, the inquest in Westport was told.
Garda Supt John O'Driscoll told the inquest into the death of 70-year-old Agnes Lyons, of Carrownedan, Aughamore, Ballyhaunis, that the two women lived in "a world apart".
Some neighbours had not spoken to the sisters for a number of years, up to ten years in some cases, Supt O'Driscoll stated.
The Supt added that the lifestyle chosen by the sisters was one they chose for themselves purposely cutting themselves off from those outside the house and ensuring the minimum of contact with their brother Michael, known locally as "Sonny".
Supt O'Driscoll said the evidence was that Agnes was in poor health for a considerable period of time and died in a bed that she had not left for a long time.
"Her death took place in a
room
that was unheated, damp and where the most squalid of conditions
prevailed".
Dr Ken Keane, Kiltimagh gave evidence of finding the dead woman in a decomposed, skeletal state in a room that was a mess with cartons, papers and tins strewn all over the floor.
The dead woman's brother, "Sonny" and sister, Mary Ellen gave evidence to today's hearing.
In a statement read to the inquest, "Sonny" explained that while in the house he spent most of the time in the livingroom. His sisters would keep out of sight and would leave him notes with shopping lists.
Mr Lyons said the last time he saw Agnes face to face was when she came home from hospital on Good Friday in the year 2000.
Mr Lyons discovered the body after Mary Ellen, became ill on the morning of August 4th last and he went to inform Agnes in her bedroom.
"When I saw what was inside I pulled back middling quick", Mr Lyons said in the statement which was read to the inquest. He then made a phone call for medical assistance.
Mary Ellen Lyons said in a statement which was read to the inquest that Agnes had been unwell for years but never attended a doctor or hospital.
A piece of cardboard with "Agnes RIP I3th September 2002" written on it was found in the room.
Mary Ellen said she did not remember writing it but could have written it.
She continued: "I have tried to remember when Agnes dies but I just can't remember. It must have been months before I went to hospital but I cannot be sure. I remember getting Christmas cards at Christmas 2002 but I cannot remember if Agnes was dead at that time".
An inquest jury returned a verdict of death on August 13th 2002 by self neglect. The cause of death was unknown, the jury decided.