Inquest into death of popular Allenwood family man who worked for Bord na Móna
An inquest into the death of a 52-year-old Bord na Móna employee has heard he took his own life on August 29 last after claims he was bullied in the workplace, RTE reports.
Peter Duggan, who was married with four children, was laid to rest in Allen Cemetery after a large crowd of family members, friends, neighbours and co-workers gathered at his Funeral Mass in Church of the Immaculate Conception in Allenwood.
Coroner Dr Denis Cusack agreed to broaden the scope of the inquiry into the death of Peter but said that, while the effect of the alleged incidents would be examined, it was not the role of the inquest to apportion blame to any third party.
At the outset of the inquest this morning Dr Cusack told relatives of the deceased man that while he was concerned about use of the word "bully" he would allow it to be used at the inquest "in a descriptive manner" and he said he would investigate the alleged behaviour and circumstances in two incidents involving Peter while he was working with Bord na Móna.
The Coroner said Peter's death had been distressing for his family and for his co-workers.
Peter's wife Catherine has told the inquest about an incident involving her husband's car.
She said he told her of the details of the second incident involving a mug.
She said if her husband was away from work for a period, something would be purposely done to stop his machinery from working when he returned.
Bord na Móna has said there is no evidence of these incidents having taken place.
Earlier Bord na Móna apologised to the coroner about the omission of details of Mr Duggan's employment record from his HR file.
The company says documents were only given to the coroner after they were discovered elsewhere on Thursday last.
The inquest is continuing this afternoon.
Last November Allenwood Clay Pigeon Club said it was honoured to hold a Clay Pigeon fundraising event in memory of the later Mr Duggan.
Peter had been a member of the club since its foundation.
The Duggan family and the Club expressed their gratitude to everybody who participated and supported this fundraising event.
The Duggan family also thanked Allenwood Clay Pigeon Club for their tremendous effort and thoughtfulness in organising such a successful event in memory of Peter.
The Club said Peter was a great family man and friend to many and we are delighted that this will now become an annual event thus keeping his memory alive.
A total of €2,544 was raised and a cheque was presented to HOPE(D) Chairperson - Terri Thorpe.
Terri Thorpe - Chairperson HOPE(D) Charity, Emma McCormack & Joseph Carroll – Chairperson, Allenwood Clay Pigeon Club.
HOPE (D) is the voluntary organisation that supported the Duggan family after the sudden passing of Peter – we were totally unaware that the charity existed until unforeseen circumstances brought us together. This incredible organisation was available to us immediately and supported us every step of the way through our very difficult times. We are eternally grateful to them for this.
If you know someone who may be struggling with anxiety, stress or depression, and needs help, please take the ‘healing hand of support’ offered by this local charity:
HOPE (D), 2 Henry Street, Newbridge - ‘Helping other people escape depression’.
Email: [email protected] or simply CALL: 1800 855 834 or 087 1513535.