Bereaved family want urgent action on Mayo river path safety

Family and friends of popular barber Tony Fallon, who drowned last July after accidentally falling into the Castlebar River, are demanding adequate and proper safety fencing at the spot where the tragedy occurred.

Tony (55) was discovered in the river at Fortlands. He was reported missing earlier by his sister, Teresa Fallon. The cause of his death was asphyxia due to drowning.

An inquest into the death was concluded by the Coroner for the District of Mayo, Pat O’Connor. An earlier hearing had been opened and adjourned.

At the resumed hearing Garda Tony Guckian explained that after observing two croc shoes in the water at Fortlands he saw the deceased face down in the water.

Members of Boyne Search and Rescue removed the body from the river. Afterwards Dr. Michael Waldron arrived on the scene and pronounced Tony dead.

Eugene Flynn was one of the last persons to see his friend alive. He gave evidence that Tony was in good form when they met for a social drink.

Kate Hegarty, who works in the Bodhran Bar, gave similar evidence.

Before returning a verdict of accidental death, the coroner noted that toxicology tests showed a high alcohol level.

There was nothing to indicate the deceased did anything other than fall and death was not self-inflicted in any way, the coroner stated.

Mr. O’Connor then asked Teresa Fallon and other family members and friends if they had any recommendations they would like to make as regards safety on the riverbank route.

Teresa replied that where Tony went into the river had been left open. It was an area where lots of children played. “It is wide open now," she complained.

Michael King, a friend of the deceased, commented: “Tony was not the first to fall in."

Coroner O’Connor said he was happy to endorse the family comments about riverbank safety. He hoped a full investigation and a safety survey of the area would be carried out.

Sympathising with the next of kin, the coroner said Tony was a well known and popular character locally and a fine barber.

Sergeant Fiona Farrell, on behalf of An Garda Siochana, joined in the expressions of sympathy.