Ballina man sacrificed himself to save niece, inquest told
James Moyles suffered fatal injuries when he was struck by a vehicle while walking with his niece at Lord Edward Street in Ballina.
The inquest into the death of a man who sacrificed himself to save the life of young niece heard he was a ‘hero’ to his hometown and his family.
The inquest into the death of James Moyles, aged 33, from Mount Assumpta, Ballina, opened in Swinford Courthouse today (Monday). A full hearing will take place at a later date once a Garda investigation is completed.
James lost his life following a tragic road accident in Ballina. He was struck by a vehicle while walking with his niece at Lord Edward Street on February 20 this year. He died from his injuries while in the intensive care unit at Mayo University Hospital (MUH) on February 21.
His death shocked and stunned the community.
Dr Fadel Bennani, Consultant Pathologist at MUH, told the inquest that the medical cause of death was a massive haemorrhage due to a fracture at the base of the skull.
Coroner Pat O’Connor informed the inquest that he had written to the head of Director of Services of Mayo County Council, Tom Gilligan, who has responsibility for roads, requesting that he attend the hearing.
Mr O’Connor said Mr Gilligan had been "verbose" at a meeting of Ballina Municipal District, following previous comments made by the coroner during an inquest into another road death. He said he felt it would be useful to hear what the council’s procedures and policies on road safety and subsequent investigations following fatalities are.
Mr O’Connor said he subsequently received a letter from Mayo County Council’s legal representative stating that Mr Gilligan’s appearance at the inquest would be "premature" until a Garda file is completed.
The coroner, asked David O’Malley, solicitor for the Moyles family, if they would like to see Mr Gilligan attend the full hearing.
Mr O’Malley said the Moyles family would be interested in hearing from Mr Gilligan in the context of future road safety and the possible prevention of further deaths.
“We welcome your letter to Mr Gilligan,” said Mr O’Malley.
Mr O’Connor sympathised with the Moyles family following the heartbreaking loss of James. He said he was “very brave” and “perhaps saved his own niece’s life”.
“Regrettably, there are far too many death in Ireland and this county on the roads,” he added.
Gda Sgt Sean McHale expressed his sympathies on behalf of An Garda Síochána. He said he knew James personally and knew how well regarded he was in the community.
“He was a hero to the town and his niece,” stated Mr O’Malley.
