Thomas (76) killed while helping move cattle

The jury of six men returned a verdict of accidental death at the inquest into a man who died on April 27, 2017, less than a day after he had been knocked to the ground by a number of cattle.

Garda William Murphy said that 76-yearold Thomas Nolan of Clonamona, Craanford, had been moving cattle on the farm of his son Patrick, with Patrick and another son Charlie.

Patrick Nolan of Clonamona Lane said the three of them were moving cattle across the lane into a nearby field. They started hunting the cattle at around 6.30 p.m.

He and his brother were in front of the herd while his father was at the back. Charlie blocked off a road and when the cattle cleared the lane he moved up towards the top of the herd again to block an upcoming gap in the lane. The cattle however turned and he expected to see his father block them off but he could see him lying on the road in a semi-conscious state.

Charlie Nolan said they were moving the 16 cattle down the lane and across the main Gorey to Carnew Road. When the cattle turned back up the lane he saw them going both sides of his father and knock him over.

The ambulance was called and Mr Nolan was brought to Wexford General Hospital where he died the following day.

Consultant pathologist Dr Rob Landers said Mr Nolan had a skull fracture and associated subdural haematoma. He said that Mr Nolan had been taking a prescribed blood thinning medication for a heart condition. Dr Landers said cause of death was traumatic subdural haemorrhage.

County coroner Dr Sean Nixon said the injuries sustained by Mr Nolan were probably aggravated by the blood thinning medication. He recommended that the jury return a verdict of accidental death which they agreed with.

Dr Nixon said he knew Mr Nolan ‘extremely well’, describing him as an absolute gentleman. He offered sympathy to the family on their sad loss and thanked them for attending.

Sympathy was also extended to the family on behalf of the gardai and the jury.