Family’s donation of organs praised

A coroner has praised a family’s decision to consent to organ donation following the death of a young woman in a road traffic accident in Cork last Christmas.

Cork City coroner Dr Myra Cullinane was speaking yesterday after she adjourned for six months an inquest into the death of Amanda O’Flaherty.

Five people benefited from the donation of her organs.

Ms O’Flaherty, 26, who was originally from 28 Cushing Rd, Farranree, Cork, but who was living in Cobh, was critically injured when her car was in collision with a 4x4 at Cow Cross, on the “back road” into Cobh, on Dec 29.

She lost her fight for life at Cork University Hospital the following day.

Assistant state pathologist Margot Bolster told Dr Cullinane yesterday that Ms O’Flaherty died from severe head and brain injuries due to a road traffic accident.

Insp Declan O’Sullivan said gardaí are preparing a file for the DPP.

Dr Cullinane told Ms O’Flaherty’s parents: “I note that consent was given to organ donation which is a wonderful gift in such circumstances.”

The inquest will be mentioned again on Oct 24.