This article is from page 3 of the 2006-10-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 3 JPG
AS OPEN verdicts were returned in inquests into the deaths of three young men in Doolin a year ago, gardaí last night stressed they were satisfied nothing untoward led to the triple fatality.
Ennis Coroner’s Court was told yesterday that Martin Griffin (24) from Ennis died due to head injuries, while Joe O’Callaghan (34) from Tulla and Michael Doran (31) of Broadford both drowned.
The three died after the the Suzuki Vitara jeep in which they were traveling fell 80 feet over a cliff and into the sea in Doolin – at a speed of 35.3 kilometers per hour – on the morning of Monday October 31 last year. The trio, all carpenters, had socialised in Doolin on the Bank Holiday Sunday night and spent the night in Mr O’Callaghan’s Jeep.
Ennistymon Superintendent Eamon Dolan said it appeared the jeep went over the cliff at 9.30am on October 31. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis told the inquest that Mr Griffin sustained brain injuries and died due to head injuries. “Acute alcohol intoxication” was a contributing factor in his death.
The head injuries were, he said, unusual in the context of a road accident. “He may well have been dead before entering the water. This man must have survived for a few hours after sustaining brain injury,” said Dr Curtis.
Witness Andrew Smith told the inquest that he drove past McGann’s Pub at around 1.30am. He saw three men on the street, one of whom was lying on the ground. “It looked as if he had fallen backwards or was tripped,” said the witness, but he could not identify who was on the ground.
Dr Curtis said Mr Doran and Mr O’Callaghan died due to drowning. Mr Doran had sustained head and chest injuries while Mr O’Callaghan appeared to have drowned once he was in the water.
The inquest heard the trio were drinking in McGann’s from 6pm to 1.30am, when they purchased whiskey and vodka and left the premises.
Coroner Isobel O’Dea said the evidence of Andrew Smith was consistent with Dr Curtis’ evidence relating to Mr Griffin’s head injuries. She said that there was no evidence of third party involvement in Mr Griffin’s death.
“We have no evidence of wrongdoing, no evidence of the vehicle entering the water. In the absence of evidence of what exactly happened, but satisfied that nothing untoward happened, I suggest the most appropriate verdict is an open verdict.” said Ms O’Dea.
Superintendent Dolan said, “nothing of a suspicious nature was found in the investigation into the death of the three young men.”