A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded at Corbally Mill on the banks of the Shannon River, where Mathew Tyrell of 478 Strand, Limerick, met his untimely demise. The unfortunate incident occurred while Mathew was engaged in a fishing outing with two companions, Michael O’Shaughnessy of Lowe, Cecil Street, and Michael Doran of The Strand. The trio embarked on a fishing excursion, taking to the waters on an angling boat, only for the day to take a devastating turn.
The subsequent inquest, presided over by City Coroner Mr M. Jde Couicy, was held in the City Courthouse on Monday. Sergeant Beatty oversaw the proceedings, and a jury of concerned citizens was convened to ascertain the circumstances leading to Mathew Tyrell’s tragic death. The jury included Patrick Douree, James Carew, John Stundun, Daniel Gleeson, Daniel Leohan, Patrick Kirby, Joseph Skehan, Thomas Moroney, William O’Hay, Peter Curtin, Timothy Moroney, Michael McDouell, and others.
James Tyrell, the brother of the deceased, provided testimony, explaining that Mathew was a labourer by trade, aged 45, and was a devoted family man with a wife and six children. Michael O’Shaughnessy, a stevedore, recounted the ill-fated Sunday fishing trip. He, Mathew Tyrell, and Michael Doran embarked on a boat around 10 o’clock in the morning, aiming to catch salmon. However, around three in the afternoon, near Corbally Mill, tragedy struck as their boat was pulled too close to the mill dam by the powerful backwater currents. The situation escalated further when the boat capsized and overturned.
Michael Doran, the fisherman who was paddling the boat, corroborated the series of events, detailing how the boat flipped due to the mishandling of the bow oar. While Doran was eventually rescued, Mathew Tyrell’s cries for help became the last sounds O’Shaughnessy heard from him.
Louis Morley, a key witness, recounted his attempt to rescue the men. Upon witnessing the perilous situation, Morley rushed to the scene, eventually aiding in pulling Doran to safety. Sadly, Mathew Tyrell’s lifeless body was discovered submerged in the water.
Sergeant Beatty highlighted the efforts made to rescue Mathew, and Mr Morley’s courageous actions were commended by both the jury and the coroner. The coroner emphasized the dangerous nature of the location and the strong currents beneath the mill, noting that such conditions had tragically claimed Mathew Tyrell’s life. The jury’s verdict confirmed that Mathew Tyrell’s death was due to accidental drowning.
In their closing statements, the jury conveyed their sympathy to the grieving family of Mathew Tyrell. Additionally, they expressed the hope that Mr Morley’s heroism would be recognized by the authorities, granting him the acknowledgment he rightfully deserved.
LIMERICK ECHO – TUESDAY 06 FEBRUARY 1906
