Donegal coroner steps down from hearing inquest

A coroner in Donegal has disqualified himself from hearing an inquest into the death of a Tyrone teenager.

The body of 15-year-old Brendan Rush was found submerged in water in Donegal town harbour in February this year.

It followed a massive ten-day search.

Solicitor for the Rush family, John Fahy, requested the coroner Diarmuid Hegarty to step down from hearing the adjourned inquest into Rush's death.

The family had doubts over his impartiality and hadn't confidence in him.

He attributed this to the coroner's failure to circulate past depositions to the family prior to this evening's inquest.

According to Mr Fahy, this duly disadvantaged the family, who are the victims of the tragic death and deserve justice.

Dr Hegarty said it was not unusual for inquests to be heard in this manner, but ultimately conceded to the family's request, stating it would be unwise to remain in place.

The inquest is expected to resume under a different coroner at a future date.