DEATH VAN KNOCKED 56 FEET OF CONCRETE FENCING

By Tom Shiel

THE ROLE of speed as a contributory factor in road accidents is often underplayed by the media, the Coroner for East Mayo, Mr. Pat O'Connor declared at inquests yesterday (Tuesday) in Swinford.

Mr. O'Connor was commenting following inquests into the deaths of two teenagers from Aughamore, Ballyhaunis who died last year when a Ford fiesta car/van went out of control and hit concrete fencing at Doogary on the N 17 between Knock and Kilkelly.

The two who died were John Kenny, aged 18, from Falleighter, Aughamore and Ciara Folliard, also aged 18, from Killeen, Aughamore.

A passenger in the car, Nicola Glavey from Kilkelly escaped serious injury in the impact which occurred in the early hours of October 11th last.

Mr. O'Connor, who said the accident was the worst with which he had dealt in his many years as a Coroner, explained that he wasn't trying to suggest that speed was involved in that particular accident.

MEDICAL CAUSES

He explained the purpose of Inquests was not to determine the cause of fatal accidents but to ascertain the identity of victims who were fatally injured as well as the time they had died and the medical causes of death.

However, the Coroner, speaking about road accidents generally, said speed was a major factor. "There is no doubt but that in most road deaths in this country there is an element of speed involved", he stated.

Something must be done by the authorities to curb speed, Mr. O'Connor suggested, and deliver home the message to all drivers that all motor vehicles are potentially lethal weapons when they are being driven.

Garda evidence was given to the inquest that John Kenny, an only child, was the driver of the Ford Fiesta car/van which went out of control knocking down 56 feet of concrete fencing.

A concrete rail went in through the car and the rear window was found 72 feet down the road, Garda Gerard Connor, who is based in Kilkelly said.

Garda Connor added that the car had travelled 104 feet along the grass verge before hitting the fence. He explained that when he arrived at the scene he was told that two people had been fatally injured while Nicola Glavey, who survived the impact, was being cared for in a nearby house.

Garda Connor said the van was registered in the name of John Kenny's father, Tom, who later told him (witness) that the vehicle was outside his house at 1.30 a.m. It appeared his son had come home after 1.30 a.m. to take possession of it.

Dr. G.P. Solan, Consultant Pathologist at Mayo General Hospital, who carried out autopsies, said Ms Folliard had been a back seat passenger and had been propelled out of the vehicle when it hit a concrete post.

VERDICTS

Verdicts in accordance with the medical evidence were returned by the inquest Jury that Ciara Folliard died from head injuries while John Kenny died, "almost instanteously" from shock and asphyxia resulting from severe injuries.

The Coroner, Mr. O'Connor expressed his deepest sympathy with the families of both victims. Words, the Coroner stated, could never express the depth of anguish suffered by relatives and indeed the entire community where they lived.

Mr. O'Connor said he felt it also was fitting to pay tribute to the Gardai and the fire and ambulance services who often have to attend at horrific accidents. "It must be difficult for Gardai, many of whom have families themselves, to see young people killed and injured", he added. "It must have a very serious effect on them".

The Coroner continued: "Gardai are not just investigators but often counsellors".

Inspector Jerry Henry (on behalf of the Gardai) and Martin Shovlin, foreman of the Inquest Jury, joined in the expressions of sympathy. Inspt. Henry thanked the Coroner for his considerate remarks about the role which Gardai have to play in serious accidents of this sort.

Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - January 1999