Inquest into Mayo GP's death adjourned pending court proceedings

A Book of Evidence is to be served next month on a person who has been charged with dangerous driving causing the death of a Ballinrobe-based GP, Dr. Martin Finnerty, an inquest was told on Thursday.

Dr. Finnerty, a native of Athenry, Co. Galway, died last December after being struck by a vehicle while walking in Ballinrobe, where he had been a GP since 1988.

An inquest into Dr. Finnerty’s death was opened and adjourned in Ballina by the Coroner for the District of Mayo, Dr. Eleanor Fitzgerald.

The request for an adjournment of the inquest hearing until all criminal proceedings have been completed was made by Detective Inspector Denis Harrington of An Garda Síochána.

Detective Inspector Harrington said a person has been charged in the district court with dangerous driving causing Dr. Finnerty’s death and the Book of Evidence will be served on the accused next month.

It will probably be mid 2026 before a trial in the matter proceeds, he explained.

A Book of Evidence contains statements from all witnesses who are to be called by the prosecution to testify during the trial.

The purpose of the inquest hearing was to confirm the identity of the deceased and the medical cause of death-multiple injuries, including fractured ribs, a fractured leg and abdominal injuries.

The substantive inquest hearing will not proceed until all criminal proceedings have been completed.

(Funded under the Court Reporting Scheme).