THE INQUEST into the deaths of the Hawe family has heard that Alan Hawe had been suffering from a severe mental illness.
Hawe murdered his wife and three sons before taking his own life at their home in Castlerahan in Co Cavan on August 29, 2016.
Professor Harry Kennedy, who carried out a report for the coroner based on Mr Hawes' medical records and suicide note, said he had progressed from a long standing depressive illness to a severe depressive episode with psychotic symptoms.
Yesterday, the inquest heard evidence from Mrs Hawe's mother, Mary Coll, who found a note on the door of their home near Ballyjamesduff, asking for gardaí to be called.
Clodagh Hawe was discovered lying face down on the sofa in the sitting room having sustained fatal injuries to her head and neck.
Their three young sons Liam, 14, Niall, 11, and Ryan, 6, were found in their beds with injuries to their necks.
Hawe's body was found in the hallway of the house.
As well as the white envelope taped to the inside window of the back door, a number of notes were found by gardaí, all of which were written by Mr Hawe.
The inquest continues at Cavan Courthouse.
