Inquest says man died of blunt force trauma

A 64-year-old father of three who was attacked while out walking his dogs near his Dublin home died of blunt force trauma, an inquest has heard.

Conservationist Michael McCoy, of Ballinascorney Upper, Brittas, was found dead at Blackhill Forest in the Dublin Mountains on September 30.

He was formally identified using DNA, Dublin Coroner’s Court heard.

His wife, Catriona McCoy, and their three daughters, Sarah, Suzanne, and Rachel, were visibly upset as the cause of death was read out at the inquest into his death.

The postmortem carried out by Dr Linda Mulligan found the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.

Mr McCoy left his home early on the morning of September 29 intending to walk his two boxer dogs in the hills around his home. The alarm was raised when he failed to return — a comprehensive search of the area commenced.

Mr McCoy’s body was found on a forest track at around 5.30am the following day.

One of his dogs, Sophie, stayed with his body until mountain rescue services arrived at the track. The family launched an online campaign and offered a reward for the second dog, Fia, who remained missing. The dog’s remains were found a month later.

Detective Inspector John Walsh of Tallaght Garda Station confirmed the remains were formally identified after DNA was assessed by a forensic scientist.

A file has been prepared for the DPP and criminal proceedings are being contemplated, he told the coroner’s court.

Det Insp Walsh applied to the coroner for a six-month adjournment pending a decision from the DPP.

Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane adjourned the inquest until June 15 and extended her condolences to the family on their loss.