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Irish Times
17-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Boy (4) died of severe brain injury after choking on cocktail sausage, inquest hears
A four-year-old boy from Limerick died from a 'very severe' hypoxic brain injury after choking on a cocktail sausage at home, an inquest has heard. At Dublin District Coroner's Court, Robert Power-O'Meara's mother, Melissa Power, recalled cooking in the kitchen when he came to her 'pointing at his throat' on the evening of August 16th, 2022. Using her fingers, she unsuccessfully attempted to dislodge the cocktail sausage before rushing with him in her arms to her neighbour's home for help. Despite 'tapping his back' and 'squeezing his belly', the food could not be dislodged, she said. READ MORE An ambulance was called, which arrived several minutes later and transported him to University Hospital Limerick (UHL) . The inquest heard Robert had no pulse on arrival, and it was 45 minutes before circulation was restored. He was ventilated at UHL and was subsequently transferred to Temple Street Hospital in Dublin due to concerns over the lack of oxygen for a prolonged period. Tests carried out at Temple Street revealed he had suffered a 'very severe' brain injury and would not survive. He was ultimately pronounced dead on the evening of August 22nd. Coroner Dr Cróna Gallagher commended his family 'for your courage, at that time – the most difficult moment in your lives' for donating Robert's organs. While the injury caused by a lack of oxygen and blood supply to Robert's brain ultimately led to his death, inflammation of his brainstem was noted as being a significant contributory condition. This inflammation could have affected his swallowing, according to Dr John O'Neill, a paediatric histopathology consultant, though this could not be said for certain. Although it was investigated whether this inflammation could have been caused by common viral infections, these were not detected in brainstem tissue and the cause was unascertained. The inquest heard the four-year-old, who had suffered several bouts of tonsillitis, had chronic and persistent issues with his tonsils, which were enlarged at the time of his death. He also had a history of choking on foods, the court heard. Asked by Dr Gallagher whether the enlarged tonsils could have predisposed him to choking events, potentially by 'deflecting' food, Dr O'Neill said it was possible but could not be proven with certainty. Robert's GP had issued a referral for an ENT (ear, nose and throat) appointment at UHL in March 2022, on a priority basis, due to his tonsils. After seeing him shortly before his death in July, he issued another referral on an 'urgent' basis. 'Two weeks after he passed, he got his appointment,' Ms Power said, adding that she 'ripped it up' when it arrived in the post. Dr Gallagher returned an inquest verdict of accidental death, saying: 'There's nothing really I can say to bring you any words of comfort, it's just so tragic that this happened in the way it did, and I'm very, very sorry.'
BreakingNews.ie
17-07-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Body of woman (20s) discovered at hotel in Co Limerick
Gardaí are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a woman's body at a hotel in Limerick City. The body was discovered at a room at the Clayton Hotel, Steamboat Quay, on Wednesday evening. Advertisement An ambulance was alerted to the hotel and the woman, aged in her mid-20s, was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem is to be carried out on the body at University Hospital Limerick later on Wednesday. Sources said the results of the autopsy would help determine the course of the Garda investigation. A Garda statement said: 'Gardaí assisted emergency services with a medical emergency at a premises in Limerick City yesterday evening, Wednesday 16th July 2025.' 'A woman was pronounced deceased by ambulance personnel.' 'No further information is available at this time.'
Irish Daily Mirror
13-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Man appears in court charged with murder of 71-year-old Michael Hayes
A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Michael Hayes following an assault in Limerick city. Philip Ambrose, 43, of no fixed abode, appeared before a special sitting of Limerick District Court on Saturday night. Garda Aoife Quinn told the court she arrested Mr Ambrose at Henry Street Garda Station at 6.35pm on Saturday, for the purpose of charging him. She said Mr Ambrose made no reply when charged with the murder of 71-year-old Michael Hayes. Gardaí and emergency services found Mr Hayes in a critical condition at St Michael's Court in the Watergate area of Limerick city at around 11.30pm on Thursday. He sustained serious head injuries and was taken to University Hospital Limerick, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Mr Ambrose's solicitor, Turlough Herbert, told the court that he was not applying for bail. The solicitor explained in court that the question of bail did not arise as bail applications in respect of a murder charge can only be made before the High Court. Judge Alec Gabbett granted Mr Ambrose's application for free legal aid after Mr Herbert told the court the accused is in receipt of disability allowance. Mr Ambrose was remanded in custody to appear in court again via video link next Tuesday, July 15. The court also ordered that he undergo medical care and psychiatric evaluation in prison. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Sunday World
12-07-2025
- Sunday World
Slain Limerick pensioner remembered as ‘kindest man'
Michael Hayes, aged in his 70s, was found critically injured outside his home at St Michael's Court apartments, in Watergate, Limerick City. A pensioner killed after its suspected he was punched and beaten over the head with a bag containing a vodka bottle, was remembered as 'the kindest man who would do anything for anyone.' Michael Hayes, aged in his 70s, was found critically injured outside his home at St Michael's Court apartments, in Watergate, Limerick City, at around 11.30pm on Thursday. Mr Hayes was resuscitated by paramedics and taken by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick where he was pronounced dead in the early hours of Friday morning. Gardai suspect he was attacked after going outside his home to investigate noise being made in the vicinity of the property. Paying tribute to Michael on Friday evening, the Garryowen Residents Association posted:' Heartfelt condolences to Garryowen native Michael (Mikey) Hayes, formerly of Kilmurry court Garryowen, an extremely pleasant, gentle person , sincere condolences to all your family from all your old neighbours and friends.' Dozens of neighbours also paid tribute to the pensioner describing him a 'gentle soul.' A man in his 40s who was known to Mr Hayes, but who is not related to him, was arrested by gardaí on Friday morning. He is known to have substance abuse issues. The man was being questioned by gardaí under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
Sunday World
12-07-2025
- Sunday World
First photo of tragic pensioner beaten to death with vodka bottle in a bag
A man in his 40s who was known to Mr Hayes, but who is not related to him, was arrested by gardaí on Friday morning. THIS is the pensioner killed after its suspected he was punched and beaten over the head with a bag containing a vodka bottle when he went to investigate noises outside his home. Michael Hayes, aged in his 70s, was found critically injured outside his home at St Michael's Court apartments, in Watergate, Limerick City, at around 11.30pm on Thursday. Mr Hayes was resuscitated by paramedics and taken by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick where he was pronounced dead in the early hours of Friday morning. Paying tribute to Michael on Friday evening, the Garryowen Residents Association posted:' Heartfelt condolences to Garryowen native Michael ( Mikey) Hayes , formerly of Kilmurry court Garryowen , an extremely pleasant, gentle person , sincere condolences to all your family from all your old neighbours and friends.' Michael Hayes News in 90 Seconds - Saturday July 12 Dozens of neighbours also paid tribute to the pensioner describing him a 'gentle soul.' A man in his 40s who was known to Mr Hayes, but who is not related to him, was arrested by gardaí on Friday morning. The man was being questioned by gardaí under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. Gardaí believe Mr Hayes was assaulted and beaten with a vodka bottle that was wrapped in a bag. Gardaí were following a number of lines of enquiry, including that Mr Hayes may have gone to investigate loud noises outside his home when he was attacked. The results of a post mortem, that was to be conducted by the office of the State Pathologist, will determine the next course of the Garda investigation, sources said. The assault took place in Watergate, Limerick city One of Mr Hayes's neighbours, Geraldine Costello, paid tribute to him. 'Michael was a lovely boy, he'd always go out of his way to do a good turn for you,' she said. 'His dog, Daisy, is crying all the time because Michael is not there. 'I was only talking to him yesterday, I'm after getting an awful shock. 'I was very fond of him, I'm a good friend of his, I've known him since I was young and I'm very sorry that he is gone.' Ms Costello's niece, Tracy Coleman, said: 'It is shocking, because he was a really lovely man, and he would always go out of his way and do whatever do you.' 'He was a young man for his age, everyday he was always going for walks.' It's understood Mr Hayes lived alone and has a number of grown-up children. Mr Hayes, who lived near the Milk Market, was known as a gentle and respectful man who kept to himself but was always willing to lend a hand. 'He was a quiet man,' one friend said of the elderly man. 'He minded my dog when I had to be away, took very good care of her.' A close neighbour stated: 'People here are devastated. My family are shocked. He was good to everyone around here.' Gardaí have launched a full-scale investigation led by a senior investigating officer. A Garda tape cordon was placed around a large section around apartments at the scene, which is located between St Michael's Street, Ellen Street and Mungret Street in the city. Detectives were harvesting any CCTV footage in the area and carrying out house-to-house enquiries. Gardaí appealed for anyone who was in the area on Thursday evening who may have information or who may have footage to come forward. Anyone with information was asked to contact Gardaí at Henry Street Garda Station (061) 212400, or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. ENDS
