Young UCD student hit by Luas tram was already dead from fall, hears inquest

• Author: Seán McCárthaigh
• Published date: 14 October 2022
• Publication title: DublinLive (Ireland)

Cormac Ó Braonáin, 19, a second year student of medical science and international relations at UCD and chairperson of Labour Youth, was killed after coming off his bicycle while cycling along the Luas track at Peter's Place in the early hours of December 15, 2019

An inquest into his death at Dublin District Coroner's Court on Thursday heard that he was struck by a late-night southbound tram on the Luas Green line at the start of a ramp approaching the Charlemont stop at 3.05am.

However, State pathologist, Heidi Okkers, said the results of a post-mortem showed that he was already dead before the impact with the Luas tram. Dr Okkers said the victim was considerably intoxicated – with alcohol levels almost five times over the legal driving limit – which would have restricted his ability to move off the Luas track after he fell off his bicycle.

The pathologist said the autopsy results showed Mr Ó Broanáin was not alive when he suffered rib fractures after being hit by the Luas. She said he had died as a result of being unable to breathe as a result of neck compression.

Under cross-examination by Conor Halpin SC, counsel for the Ó Braonáin family, Dr Okker withdrew a finding that the deceased's level of intoxication was a contributory factor. Mr Halpin said it was possible that Mr Ó Braonáin could have lost consciousness after the fall irrespective of what level of alcohol was in his body.

Mr Ó Braonáin's mother, Eva Walsh, gave evidence of meeting her son at the Iveagh Hotel on Harcourt Street at...