A Family’s Grief and a Call for Mental Health Reform Following Tragic Loss

The family of Maud Coffey, a 41-year-old woman killed by her partner in January 2023, have spoken publicly about their devastation and are advocating for improvements to Ireland’s mental health services. The tragedy unfolded after Austin Mangan, 53, experienced a relapse of a schizoaffective disorder and was found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity in December 2025.

A Life Filled with Creativity and Kindness

Maud Coffey was remembered by her sisters as a kind and resilient woman with a passion for arts and crafts. She regularly created handmade cards for family members, characterized by vibrant colors and playful designs. The Irish Times reported that her cards were often too large to fit in envelopes, a testament to her generous spirit and creative expression.

Growing up, Maud was described as shy but sweet, with a deep love for animals and cuddles. Despite facing learning difficulties that weren’t formally diagnosed until adulthood, she demonstrated remarkable resilience and an ability to overcome challenges. Her sisters recounted instances of defending her when she faced difficulties at school.

The Impact of Loss and a Complex Grief

The Coffey sisters described the loss of Maud as a “double tragedy,” acknowledging the devastation not only of losing their sister but as well recognizing the profound loss experienced by Mangan due to his mental health struggles. They expressed heartbreak over the situation, stating they felt no need for forgiveness as Mangan was found not guilty due to his illness. DublinLive reported the family’s acceptance of the verdict and their wishes for Mangan’s recovery.

A History of Mental Health Challenges

Mangan had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and had stopped taking his psychiatric medication for three months prior to the tragic event. The family learned he had even sought help from his psychiatric team the day before Maud’s death but was given an appointment for the following week. This prompted the family to question the adequacy of the mental health support system.

Maud herself had experienced a psychotic episode following the death of her mother in 2014, requiring treatment and medication. She found support and a renewed sense of purpose through an organization called Befrienders, which provides support for individuals with mental health difficulties. It was through this organization that she met Austin Mangan, and their relationship blossomed.

Calls for Systemic Change

Following a meeting with the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Coffey family outlined ten key areas for improvement in mental health services. These include enhanced record-keeping, seamless transitions between care providers, and increased funding for community-based mental health resources. They emphasized the need for a holistic approach to care that considers the individual beyond their diagnosis.

The family also highlighted the importance of addressing the stigma surrounding mental illness, noting that tragedies like Maud’s death can reinforce harmful stereotypes. They hope their advocacy will lead to changes that prevent similar tragedies in the future. The Irish Times detailed their commitment to working with the HSE and the Department of Health to achieve these goals.

Remembering Maud

Maud Coffey is remembered as a loving sister, aunt, and friend. Her funeral was held in January 2023, and her family has requested that donations be made to Mental Health Ireland or Hail Housing Association in her memory. RIP.ie provides further details about her life and passing.