Renewed plea for information on hit-and-run at cyclist’s inquest

Pleas were renewed yesterday for information that could lead to the arrest of a driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run in Co Kerry.

Father-of-four Paud O’Leary, of Leameglissane, Gneeveguilla, died instantly after being knocked down as he cycled less than a mile from his home on Jul 1.

An inquest into the 42-year-old’s death was opened in Killarney yesterday and adjourned, with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions, until investigations into the case are completed.

His widow, Maggie, and other members of the O’Leary family were present.

Solicitor Padraig O’Connell, for the family, asked coroner Terence Casey if it could be confirmed that death was instantaneous.

“Yes, from reading the postmortem report,” said Mr Casey.

Death was due to brain swelling, inner cerebral trauma, and a spinal cord injury consistent with a road a traffic accident, according to the medical evidence.

Gardaí are still trying to trace a charcoal-grey Toyota Land Cruiser they believe may have struck and killed Mr O’Leary, at Scrahanfadda, on the Gneeveguilla-Killarney road. His body was not found until several hours after the accident.

Investigations have been focussed on the Duhallow area of north-west Cork.

Mr O’Connell said investigations are continuing. It was a horrendous matter, he said, and the deceased man’s family are “going through absolute and utter turmoil”.

Mr Casey, extending sympathy to the family, said it was a most traumatic and unfortunate situation and hoped the gardaí would bring it to a conclusion in the very near future.

He urged people to help the gardaí in every way possible.

Supt Flor Murphy, Killarney, joined in expressions of sympathy and also appealed to people with information to come forward.

Brothers of the late Mr O’Leary and a priest friend, Fr John Kerin, have already made emotional appeals to the driver to come forward.

* Anyone with information is asked to contact the gardaí in Kanturk on 029 20680.