An experienced horseman died after he sustained serious head injuries when he fell from a galloping horse he was exercising, an inquest heard yesterday.
Séamus Fahey (28), Newtown House, Abbeyknockmoy, Tuam, Co Galway, died at Beaumont Hospital on October 23rd last year, five days after he was thrown from a thoroughbred hunting horse when the animal went out of control, Dublin City Coroner's Court heard.
The accident occurred on the road metres from the house where Mr Fahey lived with his partner, April Reese, on October 18th.He was not wearing a riding helmet at the time.
Annette Flaherty, who witnessed the incident, told the inquest she was driving along the road near Newtown House when she noticed a man riding a horse which was galloping and appeared to be out of control.
"I saw the horse was galloping fast on the road and the young man appeared to be trying to control the horse, but I thought he didn't appear comfortable. He seemed to be at an angle. He was in distress and I was alarmed," she said.
"The horse was at a full gallop when I saw the rider fall off to the left side of the horse and on to the roadway."
Ms Flaherty immediately contacted the emergency services. The horse seems to have been spooked or to have taken fright, the court heard.
Mr Fahey was brought to University College Hospital Galway, however, his condition deteriorated and he was transferred to Beaumont Hospital at 12.30am the following morning.
Mr Fahey died at Beaumont on October 23rd at 4.45am from head injuries including laceration and bruising of the left side of the brain and multiple skull fractures, as well as secondary swelling of the brain.
The coroner, Dr Brian Farrell, returned a verdict of accidental death due to a fall from a horse.