Coroner: Man swept to his death in record flood
Brecan Mooney, 31, with an address at Monastery Terrace, Cork, reached for help after climbing over the railings of the Christy Ring Bridge in the city centre in the early hours of November 19, 2009.
But Cork City Coroner’s Court heard how he lost his grip and fell into the raging torrent.
Just hours later, the city was struck by the worst flood in living memory.
Despite an intensive three-week search, Mr Mooney’s body was never found.
In the absence of remains, city coroner Dr Myra Cullinane was granted a special order by the Justice Minister to hold the inquest.
Mr Mooney’s father, Brian, thanked her for convening the inquest.
“I would like to thank the coroner for her courage in bringing this inquest forward. It has been incredibly helpful to us to know the circumstances of Brecan’s death,” he said.
He also thanked everyone, especially the boatmen who helped search for his son.
The inquest was told Mr Mooney had swum in the River Lee at night before, usually around Daly’s Bridge in Fitzgerald’s Park and he was not afraid of the water.
His friend Kevin Ryan said they watched the Ireland versus France soccer international in Costigan’s Pub on November 18.
They went to the Brog pub and then the Crane Lane at about 12.45am. Mr Ryan said Mr Mooney was in good form throughout.
They became separated in the bar and Mr Ryan left on his own before CCTV footage showed Mr Mooney leaving at about 2.15am.
He was positively identified by his sister, Catherine, on footage recorded by Garda CCTV cameras, crossing the Christy Ring Bridge, barefoot and carrying his sandals, at around 2.35am.
Just minutes later, another witness Tim O’Leary was captured by the cameras crossing the bridge. The tragic events would unfold just beyond the range of the cameras.
Mr O’Leary said he saw a young man standing on the inside of the bridge’s railings on the Pope’s Quay side of the river. “He said he was okay. I asked if he was sure and he said: ‘Yeah, I might a need a hand.’”
Mr O’Leary said the man reached out his left hand and swung it to catch his, but missed and fell into the river and was swept away.
It was November 24 before it was deemed safe enough for naval and Garda divers to enter the river.
Hundreds of volunteers scoured the river banks until January 11, 2010, before the search was called off.
Dr Cullinane recorded a verdict of accidental death.
