Alcohol a factor in death of Dixies legend

SHOWBAND legend Brendan O’Brien died of cardiac failure in association with acute alcohol intoxication, an inquest was told.

The former Dixies star, whose biggest hit Little Arrows reached No 1 in 1968, had four times the legal driving limit of alcohol in his blood at the time of his death, Cork Coroner’s Court heard. A verdict of death due to misadventure was recorded.

Mr O’Brien, 66, was found dead in his flat on Allinett’s Lane off Gerald Griffin Street in Cork on April 3 last.