A GREAT-GRANDFATHER from Dublin died after he was knocked off his bike on the way to Mass, an inquest has heard.
Michael Condren (87), of Philipsburgh Terrace, Marino, Dublin, was cycling to Mass on November 29th last when he was hit by a car on Griffith Avenue.
Mr Condren’s neighbour Trevor Hughes saw him cycle up Turlough Parade before turning right onto Griffith Avenue, as he did on his way to Mass every morning.
Moments later Mr Hughes heard a loud bang.
Caroline Kerr told the inquest she was driving to work in Raheny when all of a sudden she experienced an impact to her car. She said she only saw the cyclist after she’d pulled over.
Witness Patricia Clare said she was driving behind Ms Kerr and knew an incident was about to happen. She told the hearing she could see Mr Condren was about to collide with Ms Kerr’s car and knew Ms Kerr probably could not see him. She saw Mr Condren flip up over the bonnet of the car before landing on the ground.
Austin O’Neill of Dublin Fire Brigade found Mr Condren in an unconscious state, but breathing. Mr Condren was admitted to the Mater hospital and a CT scan showed severe head injuries. The retired van driver died the following day, the inquest at Dublin City Coroner’s Court was told.
Pathologist Dr Niall Mulligan, who carried out the autopsy, said he died of a traumatic brain injury.
Returning a verdict of accidental death, the jury of four men and three women recommended the local council put a stop/yield sign where Turlough Parade joins Griffith Avenue.