Garda in serious condition after crash wakes from induced coma

A garda who has been in a very serious condition after a crash in which a pensioner was killed has woken from an induced coma.

It is understood Garda Sharon Casserly — who suffered a stroke post-surgery — recognised her fiancé and a brother when she was taken off the ventilator.

Sources said she was able to breathe on her own and that her brain was functioning. However, one source said that Gda Casserly, due to marry in the summer, was “not in a good way” and that doctors remain concerned.

The crash, which happened at 12.30am last Monday on the Galway to Limerick road, claimed the life of Liam McDonnell.

The 66-year-old from Cleaghmore, Ballinasloe, was a resident at the Little Flower Nursing Home in Ardrahan and was reported missing on Sunday evening.

Gardaí are investigating the crash and have interviewed the driver of a vehicle which struck Mr McDonnell, along with Gda Casserly and her colleague, Garda Peter Murtagh.

Health watchdog Hiqa is reviewing the matter, while the Garda Ombudsman has already concluded there was no garda misconduct.

Gda Murtagh, not seriously injured in the crash, is recovering. The gardaí were responding to a call that Mr McDonnell had gone missing and were assisting a search for him. It is thought, after spotting him, they were trying to get him off the road and into their marked patrol car when they were struck.

Mr McDonnell was pronounced dead at the scene, while the two gardaí were taken to Galway University Hospital.

Gda Casserly, thought to be in her early 30s, suffered “horrific injuries”, including multiple breaks to her legs and pelvis.

She underwent surgery to remove a blood clot. It is understood she suffered a stroke after the surgery.

Both Monday and Tuesday nights are said to have been particularly difficult after the stroke, but some respite came on Wednesday when she was taken off her ventilator and woke up.