Garda killing inquest opens

AN INQUEST opened in Limerick yesterday into the death of Det Garda Jerry McCabe (52), who was shot dead in Adare on June 7th…

AN INQUEST opened in Limerick yesterday into the death of Det Garda Jerry McCabe (52), who was shot dead in Adare on June 7th while protecting a consignment of money being delivered by van to the post office.

Det Garda Ben Sullivan, who was injured in the shooting, was present at the inquest but was not called as a witness. On the application of Garda Supt Albert Treacy, Askeaton, who is leading the murder investigation, the coroner for south east Limerick, Dr Timothy Casey, granted an adjournment after medical evidence was given. Supt Treacy said criminal proceedings had begun.

Dr Margaret Bolster, assistant State pathologist, told the inquest she carried out an autopsy on Det Garda McCabe's body at the Regional Hospital, Limerick, at 4.30 p.m. on June 7th. She said the body had one fatal gunshot wound to the back of the thorax - right upper back - which lacerated the aorta, the main blood vessel.

Fragments of a bullet were removed from both lungs and there were multiple and tiny abrasions on the body. Cause of death was due to haemorrhage and shock and laceration of both lungs.

READ MORE

Garda Michael Gallagher, Henry Street station, said that at 7.02 a.m. he went to Adare and identified Garda McCabe. He accompanied the body to the Limerick Regional Hospital.

Mr Derry O'Donovan, solicitor, representing the McCabe family, of Avondale Drive, Greystones, Limerick, thanked the many people who had expressed sympathy. Present at the inquest were Mrs Anne McCabe, widow; the father of the deceased, Mr John McCabe, and Det Garda McCabe's children, Mark, Ross and Stacey.

Three men have appeared at the Special Criminal Court on firearms charges arising out of the murder investigation.