Pedestrian wore dark clothes and had no torch

A 65-year-old pedestrian who was wearing dark clothes and had no torch or reflective gear died after being struck by a car, on February 6, an inquest was told.

Joan O’Rourke, aged 65, of Ballybrack, Firies, Co Kerry, received extensive injuries in the accident, which occurred as she walked along the road at Longfield, Firies, in near darkness.

Coroner Terence Casey adjourned the inquest at Killarney Courthouse to enable the driver of the car, Regina McCarthy, of Firies Close, Firies, to be present.

It is understood that she had not been notified of the inquest.

Garda public service vehicle inspector James O’Brien said the pedestrian had been walking towards the car on the same side of the road. After being struck, she was thrown onto the bonnet and across the wing, he said. He concluded the car had been travelling over the 80km/h speed limit.

Garda O’Brien said there was a lot of hedgerow growth at the scene, while poor visibility and dark clothing worn by the deceased, who received catastrophic injuries, could also be factors in the accident.