UCC student drank lethal level of vodka during game

THE father of a 19-year- old student who died following a drinking game in which he consumed a lethal amount of vodka has paid a tearful tribute to his son.

An inquest heard how Gary Brian Murphy, aged 19, of Grantstown, Co Waterford, downed almost half a bottle of vodka in one slug for a dare at a party in his student flat in Cork city on December 6, 2009.

The UCC student was celebrating an inter-county hurling final win with friends.

Following his death, Mr Murphy had a blood alcohol level of 399 milligrams – eight times the legal limit for driving.

In an emotional and tearful tribute, Liam Murphy said his son had trained hard all year with his fellow hurling team- mates, but admitted he had “probably over-indulged on the night.”

“He was a lovely lad, through his whole life he had fantastic core values, he loved life, loved living in Cork and he loved college life at UCC,” Mr Murphy said yesterday at Cork City Coroner’s Court.

“He was deeply loved by his mam, dad, sister Laura and extended family. He is sadly missed and his tragic death has devastated our family,” Mr Murphy said.

The teenage student’s heartbroken parents heard how a drinking game got underway at their son’s student flat, some time after 10pm.

The court heard how Gary Murphy produced a bottle of apple flavoured vodka which he was serving up to those playing the game, including himself.

The inquest heard evidence from friends of the deceased at the party who said Mr Murphy drank between six and 11 cans of beer before opening the bottle of apple vodka he brought home from a holiday.

Giving evidence, Cillian Murphy, a second year commerce student, said his friend was drinking the vodka straight from the bottle.

After the deceased collapsed by the lift, his friends stripped him naked and placed him inside. He was sent up and down the building in the lift before he was removed and his friends put him to bed.

Shortly after, his lips turned blue and he was rushed to Cork University Hospital where he died 10 days later.

An autopsy report showed Mr Murphy had a blood alcohol level of 399 milligrams, which is in the fatal range. The inquest also heard the level of alcohol detected in his urine was measured at 519 milligrams.