A promising young show-jumper died from injuries she incurred after a goalpost fell on her, Cork Coroners Court was told yesterday.
Rhona McLoughlin (12), from Eglinton, Co Derry, was critically injured as she attempted to climb a goalpost at Aubane Soccer Club in Millstreet, Co Cork, with three friends on August 17th last. The pitch is adjacent to the Green Glens Arena where the teenager had been attending the Millstreet International Horse Show to compete in the pony classes.
The friends had gone through a gap in the bushes to gain access to the field. They played for a while and then decided to climb the portable goalposts, resulting in the accident.
Dr Michael Feeley was called to the scene where he found the girl unconscious. Ms McLoughlin was brought to Cork University Hospital where she died on August 23rd. A post-mortem revealed cardio-respiratory arrest following extensive fractures to the skull and brain. A verdict of accidental death was recorded.
Cork City Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane said the loss of a young talent was an "unspeakable tragedy for her family". The teenager was one of the North's top young showjumping talents and had won numerous prizes.