News

Neyland man ended life following fears he would lose his job

Published

2 years ago

May 1, 2023

A PEMBROKESHIRE man took his own life after becoming worried about losing his job, an inquest heard on Thursday (Apr 27).

The 50-year-old, Rory Anthony Phillip John Cuneen, who lived in Neyland, had a history of alcohol misuse and struggled with his mental health.

According to coroner’s officer PC Carrie Sheridan, Mr Cuneen was reported missing on October 13, 2022, after fears were raised that he might lose his employment. Three days later, a friend visited his flat, but after receiving no response, he contacted the landlord for access.

Upon entering the flat, the friend was greeted with a smell of gas, and Mr Cuneen was found lying on the floor by the window.

Toxicology tests carried out later showed that he had a blood ethanol concentration of 410 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of blood, a concentration that can be associated with fatality. In addition, carbon monoxide levels were at 70.5%, a level that can prove lethal.

Dr John Murphy, who conducted the post-mortem, confirmed that Mr Cuneen died of carbon monoxide poisoning and an elevated blood alcohol concentration. Assistant coroner Gareth Lewis asked PC Carrie Sheridan if there was any indication that Mr Cuneen might take his life if he lost his job. She confirmed that this was true.

Mr Cuneen’s sister said that her brother was still employed at the time of his death. Mr Lewis, however, said that he was satisfied that Mr Cuneen had deliberately taken steps to end his life, given the concerns raised over his job and mental health.

He added: “Mr Cuneen killed himself while he was struggling with his mental health.” Mr Lewis extended his condolences to Mr Cuneen’s family and thanked his sister for attending the inquest.

If you need to talk: https://www.samaritans.org/wales/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

23 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.