AN inquest was told yesterday how the former Seanad Cathaoirleach, Mr Liam Naughten, and his driver had to be cut free by firefighters from the wreckage of their car following a crash near Ballinasloe last month.
Mr Naughten (52) and the driver of a car travelling in the opposite direction died at the scene of the crash at Ballydangan, on the main Galway Dublin road, shortly after 4 p.m. on November 16th.
At the inquest into Mr Naughten's death yesterday, Garda Pat McLoughlin said Mr Naughten's car was facing into the left hand wall going towards Ballinasloe five feet from the other car the rear of which was hanging from the wall.
At 5.10 p.m. Mr Naughten was pronounced dead by Dr Donal Twohig after being cut from the wreckage. Dr Niall Walsh, a consultant pathologist at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, said death was caused by traumatic laceration of the heart due to fractured ribs and fractured sternum.
Mr Des O'Connor, Roscommon County Coroner, extended sympathy to Mr Naughten's wife and family on behalf of the community and described his death as a tragic loss.
Mr Mark Cooney, solicitor, on behalf of the Naughten family, acknowledged the expressions of sympathy and said they were much appreciated.