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Inquest Reveals Accidental Death of Laborer Struck by Train in Ballysimon | Limerick Archives

Inquest Reveals Accidental Death of Laborer Struck by Train in Ballysimon

Ballysimon – An inquest was held today at Ballysimon regarding the tragic death of Matthew Dwyer, a labourer who was accidentally killed by a train. The incident also left another labourer, Patrick Madigan, severely injured. Dr Clery, the county coroner, presided over the proceedings, accompanied by District Inspector O’Hara representing the Crown, Mr I. S. Barrington representing the railway company, and Mr Gallney representing the deceased’s next of kin.

The inquest shed light on the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident. Denis O’Sullivan, the brother-in-law of the deceased, took the stand and provided testimony regarding Dwyer’s employment history. O’Sullivan revealed that Dwyer had been working at Ballysimon Bridge as an ordinary labourer for the past week. Describing him as a sober and responsible man, O’Sullivan expressed profound shock and sorrow over the incident.

According to initial reports, Dwyer and Madigan were working near the train tracks when the unfortunate incident occurred. The details of how they came to be struck by the train remain unclear. However, the focus of the inquest was to determine the nature of Dwyer’s death and any factors that may have contributed to the accident.

After considering the evidence presented, the jury deliberated and ultimately returned a verdict of “Accidental Death” for the records. The findings emphasized the unforeseen and unintentional nature of the tragedy, absolving any suspicion of foul play.

The railway company, represented by Mr I. S. Barrington, expressed deep regret over the incident and extended condolences to the family of the deceased. They assured the court that necessary safety measures would be reviewed and reinforced to prevent similar accidents in the future.

While the inquest provided some closure to the family and friends of Matthew Dwyer, it served as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers associated with working in close proximity to train tracks. The community mourns the loss of a diligent labourer and extends well-wishes for the swift recovery of Patrick Madigan.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 19 January 1904

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