Grandfather suffered fatal head injuries trying to calm pub row

A grandfather who was assaulted while trying to calm tensions outside a Cork City pub suffered fatal head injuries consistent with a fall onto the back of the head.

Patrick Deasy, 57, from McGrath Park, off Church Rd in Blackrock, died at Cork University Hospital’s intensive care unit on Sept 24 last, two days after the row in the Mahon area.

He had been attending a birthday party with his wife, Ann, at the Red Cove Inn, on Avenue De Rennes.

He was assaulted just before 1am outside the pub after he went to check on his daughter-in-law.

It is believed that he was either pushed or slapped by an individual as he tried to calm tensions.

He was rushed to CUH where he underwent emergency surgery.

Mr Deasy was placed in an induced coma but died two days later when his life-support machine was switched off.

Assistant state pathologist, Dr Margot Bolster, told Cork City Coroner’s Court yesterday that Mr Deasy died from brain swelling and contusion, subdural haemorrhage and consequent brain damage due to lack of oxygen to the brain, due to a fall onto the back of the head.

Just days after the death detectives arrested a man, 25, who was detained under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 for questioning about the altercation. He was subsequently released without charge.

Inspector Declan O’Sullivan told assistant city coroner, Philip Comyn, the garda investigation is ongoing.

He said detectives at Blackrock Garda Station hope to have a file on the case complete within three weeks, for submission to the Director of Public Prosecution.

He applied for a six-month adjournment of the inquest pending the outcome of these proceedings.

Mr Comyn put the inquest back for mention again on Sept 12 at which point an update on the DPP’s deliberations is expected.

Mr Deasy worked with Cork City Council’s parks department and was a popular member of staff.