A man died as a result of catastrophic injuries to the head, chest and spine due to massive blunt force trauma after falling off his bicycle in county Roscommon.
Proceedings at Ballaghaderreen Coroner’s Court on Thursday morning examined the circumstances surrounding the death of Marcus Phelan, who was found at Cloonchambers, Castlerea, in September 2024.
Marcus Phelan with an address of 82(A) Churchtown Road, Churchtown, Dublin 14 died in the early hours of Sunday, September 15th 2024.
The deceased’s wife, Catriona Phelan provided a testimony in today's sitting.
She outlined how her husband had travelled to the west Roscommon once or twice a month to work.
She described her last phone conversation with her late husband and he had told her been to Lidl and bought a number of items, including a bottle of wine.
She subsequently outlined how Mr Phelan loved the bicycle and how he it was almost 30 years old.
Two local publicans spoke of Mr. Phelan had been at their premises on the night of September 14th without disturbance.
Local resident Teresa Canney was the first person on the scene.
Giving evidence, she outlined how she came upon Mr. Phelan and the concern she felt upon realising he was unresponsive.
She is fully trained and administered CPR to Mr. Phelan.
Ms Canney told the court she immediately contacted the emergency services and remained at the scene until assistance arrived.
A short time later, local man Michael McDermott arrived the scene.
He was sent by Teresa Canney to get a defibrillator at a nearby medical practice.
Garda Thomas Regan of Frenchpark Garda Station was on duty of an official patrol car of Castlerea Garda Station when he was tasked to respond to the scene on that morning.
He noted on arrival of the scene that there was unresponsive male and a pool of blood.
Seargant John Horkan, Senior Collision Scene Investigator, described the scene which greeted him- There are no street lights in the area, the morning was foggy and the road was damp.
Mr Phelan was unknown to those who attended, so his wallet and then driving licence removed to reveal his identity.
Medical evidence was given by the State pathologist who conducted the post-mortem examination.
Mr. Phelan was found to recent trauma and linear apparition on a number of body parts, broken ribs and massive trauma to the heart.
Concluding, Coroner Brian O'Connor reiterated the importance of following the rules of the road.
In particular, around alcohol and drugs and how it is an offence to cycle under the influence of such and how vital a helmet and hi-vis clothing are for those taking to the country's roads.
Mr Phelan had an alcohol reading of 221mg, which is four times the legal limit for drink driving.
There was no evidence of drugs in his system.
