Mayo widow gets €500,000 after husband’s death
Dolores Byrne from Gurteen, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo sued following the death of her husband Declan who was killed while working at the Galway City site on April 30, 2008.
Dolores Byrne sued her late husband’s employer, CDM Steel Ltd of Tuam Road Galway, which is now in voluntary liquidation.
At the time of his death the company, it was alleged, was a subcontractor carrying on works at the site.
She also sued the Connacht Branch Rugby Football Union and the Irish Rugby Football Union, who were owners of the site where the development works were being carried out.
It was alleged Mr Byrne’s death was caused as a result of negligence by the defendants. The claims were denied.
The settlement was approved by Mr Justice Kevin Cross at the High Court yesterday following lengthy talks between the parties.
The judge was told the case had been settled for €500,000 plus costs, and the case could be struck out.
Paul McGarry SC said the tragic accident occurred on the site when Mr Byrne was trying to realign a steel girder that formed part of the roof sub frame of the gym. Unfortunately, counsel said, the girder fell and struck Mr Byrne on the head killing him instantly.
The judge, who expressed his sympathies to Dolores Byrne, the Byrne’s two children, and extended family over what had been a tragic and irreplaceable loss, said the settlement was a very good one, which he has happy to approve.
“Nothing can replace what you have lost,” the judge said.
In her action Dolores Byrne claimed she suffered great mental stress and loss as a result of her husband’s death.
