Father of the bride dies of heart attack on wedding day

A bride's father collapsed and died on her wedding day, an inquest had heard. The tragedy occurred at Kilronan Castle in Keadue, Co Roscommon.

Sean McCauley (70), of Lisahully, Ballyshannon, had walked his daughter Anne up the aisle earlier that day.

Sean’s brother-in-law, Liam McGowan today recalled the incident as he gave evidence at Mr McCauley’s inquest.

The wedding band had finished up playing and the disco had started after midnight on May 17th last.

“We were having a great day and about 1.20am the disco had started and we went to say goodbye to Sean and the family.

“Sean was on the dance floor with his wife and as I turned away a man behind me went to shake Sean’s hand,” Mr McGowan said.

The inquest heard that, at that moment, Sean collapsed and emergency medical help was summoned.

Dr David Swan, who was a wedding guest, attended Mr McCauley, as well as two paramedics who arrived following an emergency call for an ambulance.

The medics worked on Mr McCauley for 30 minutes, but he was unresponsive and he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

Autopsy

Consultant pathologist Dr Caroline Brodie carried out a subsequent autopsy and told the inquest that Mr McCauley had a previous history of cardiac problems.

Dr Brodie said that he had suffered a heart attack and he had a complete blockage of the right coronary artery.

Dr Brodie determined the cause of death to be cardiac failure.

The inquest jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Roscommon coroner, Desmond O’Connor, expressed his sincere sympathy to the McCauley family.

Mr O’Connor described it as “an unfortunate and very sad start to married life” for Mr McCauley’s daughter and said that he hoped that the family could put it behind them in time and look forward to better days.

Mr McGowan said the family wanted to express their thanks to all who had helped on the tragic occasion.

He said that they were grateful for all the kindness the family received

He noted in particular the attendance of three members of Kilronan Castle Hote staff at Sean McCauley’s funeral.

“Given time, I’m sure the family will get over their great loss,” he said.