A carpenter named John Galvin, 54, residing at Mungret, drowned at Russell’s Quay in Limerick on Sunday night. The man was found by Michael Reynolds, a pilot, lying on the belting of the collier Jacinth, which was berthed at Russell’s Quay. Reynolds, along with another unidentified man, moved Galvin to the quay. However, later that night, the second mate of the Jacinth heard a cry and found Galvin’s hat floating in the water. The carpenter’s body was recovered on Monday.

An inquest was held at the City Courthouse on Monday evening, led by Coroner DeCourcey and a jury. The head constable, Webster, conducted the proceedings for the Crown. During the inquest, Michael Reynolds reported that Galvin appeared dazed and had blood on his mouth when he found him on the belting. Despite efforts to find any persons who may have been with Galvin, none were identified.

The Coroner praised Mr Reynolds for his action and effort to save the man’s life when he found him in a dangerous position despite not knowing him. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death from drowning.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 07 October 1902