Cat caused death of experienced cyclist in freak accident

AN EXPERIENCED cyclist died after a freak accident when his bike hit a cat, an inquest was told yesterday.

Derek O’Leary, 43, from The Meadows, Duntahane, Fermoy, north Cork, was wearing a helmet while riding his high-performance racing bike in top gear down a hill just outside the town at around 6pm on July 17 when a cat apparently crossed his path.

Cork City Coroner’s Court was told that Mr O’Leary was found collapsed on the road, blood pouring from his mouth, a few moments later. Bits of his helmet cracked off and were found scattered on the road.