Galway Grandmother Dies After Being Struck By A Car While Crossing A Busy Road Near Her Home
A 75-year-old grandmother tragically lost her life after being struck by a vehicle while crossing a busy road just 50 metres from her home. The heartbreaking incident, which occurred on December 19, 2022, in Dangan, Galway, was reviewed during an inquest at the Dublin District Coroner’s Court.
Peggy Casserly, a beloved wife and mother of six residing in Dangan Heights, Newcastle, Galway, sustained critical injuries after being hit by a car on the N59 Clifden Road, a major thoroughfare on the outskirts of Galway city. Despite immediate medical intervention, Ms. Casserly passed away four days later on December 23 at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.
The driver involved in the incident, Conor Feeney, recounted that he was heading home from work on the N59 when Ms. Casserly suddenly stepped onto the road in front of his car. Describing the moments leading up to the collision, Mr. Feeney told the court: *“I could do nothing to avoid her.”* He immediately contacted emergency services and remained at the scene to assist.
Mr. Feeney explained that he had just accelerated from a traffic light-controlled junction and estimated his speed to be around 50 km/h at the time. A forensic analysis confirmed that his vehicle was traveling at 37-47 km/h, below the posted speed limit of 50 km/h. Further investigations revealed no defects in Mr. Feeney’s Opel Astra that could have contributed to the accident. The vehicle's headlights were on, and it was in third gear when the collision occurred. Additionally, Mr. Feeney was found to be free of alcohol or drugs during the incident.
Key eyewitnesses provided crucial insights into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Mohammed Elmorsi, who was walking nearby, described how he saw Ms. Casserly crossing the road hurriedly and at an angle. He noted that she did not look left at any point and expressed his immediate concern that any car coming from Galway would not see her in time. He described the impact vividly, recalling that Ms. Casserly was thrown into the air before landing in the middle of the road.
Chrystal Burke, a care worker who came to Ms. Casserly’s aid, detailed her condition at the scene, stating that Ms. Casserly had labored breathing that stopped intermittently. Ms. Burke also noted visible injuries, including blood on Ms. Casserly’s face and the back of her head.
Sergeant Declan O’Connor, a forensic collision investigator, highlighted that the streetlights had not yet been activated at the time of the crash, contributing to reduced visibility. He further noted that the nearest pedestrian crossing was 280 metres away from the accident site. Medical records revealed that Ms. Casserly had suffered a broken neck and severe internal brain bleeding, resulting in a poor prognosis upon her admission to University Hospital Galway.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) reviewed the Garda investigation into the collision and determined that no prosecution was warranted. The jury ultimately returned a verdict of accidental death.
Four of Ms. Casserly’s adult children attended the inquest, which concluded with an emotional display of forgiveness and solidarity. The family embraced Mr. Feeney, acknowledging the devastating nature of the tragedy for all involved. Coroner Aisling Gannon expressed her sympathies to the grieving family, extending condolences on behalf of the court.
The loss of Ms. Casserly serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by pedestrians on busy roads. The inquest underscores the importance of road safety and pedestrian awareness, particularly in areas where dedicated crossings are limited or distant.
