Mayo farmer's 'freak, tragic' death recalled at inquest

A fatal accident near Kilkelly last August in which a man lost his life while helping his wife spray weeds on the family farm was recalled at an inquest in Ballina Courthouse conducted by the Coroner for the District of Mayo, Dr. Eleanor Fitzgerald.

James (Jimmy) Forkin, Carrabeg, Kilkelly, was drowned after being pinned in a drain by an all-terrain vehicle, ATV, four-wheel powered vehicle.

Garda Sheena Feehilly, one of the investigating officers, said the deceased had been spraying briars while his wife drove the vehicle.

In a statement to gardaí which was read into evidence at the inquest, Christina Forkin said she was driving while Jimmy walked behind her with a hand-held lance which was connected to a sprayer.

The witness said her vehicle “went back with force” while she slowly reversed following a signal to do so by Jimmy.

The witness said when she emerged from the vehicle Jimmy wasn’t there. She called out for him but got no response before raising the alarm and making a 999 call.

Colm Costello, a member of Trimogue Community First Responders, outlined to the inquest how he got a text message stating there had been a cardiac arrest in Carrabeg.

He said when he arrived at 15.03 there was nobody at the Eircode provided and it took a while to locate the patient down the field.

Mr. Costello said the ATV was in the drain with its two front wheels up in the air. He saw two legs sticking out from under the vehicle.

Evidence was given to the hearing that Mr. Forkin was submerged in water, showing no signs of life, with the ATV on top of him when fire crews and other first responders arrived on the scene.

The inquest was told every effort had been made to save Mr. Forkin.

Coroner Fitzgerald noted that an examination by the Health and Safety Authority showed that the ATV was in good working order.

She described the accident as “a freak, tragic event” which occurred while the couple were carrying out a difficult task.

What happened was all the more tragic because Mr. Forkin’s wife was in the ATV at the time, the coroner said.

In comments that were echoed by Sergeant Sean McHale, garda courts presenter, the coroner commended emergency teams for their quick response to the tragedy.

* Funded by the Couirts Reporting Scheme.