An inquest in Galway heard yesterday how a child died when he choked after eating vegetable sticks at a creche.
Cian Henehan, a 23-month-old child from Kilcolgan, Co Galway, was rushed to University Hospital Galway from Ballinderreen Community Creche but was pronounced dead. The inquest heard Cian had been left at the creche on November 24th last year by his grandmother Carmel Lyden, who was minding him while the parents, Dara and Becky, were abroad on a short break.
Mrs Lyden said when she returned to the creche about 4pm she was met by two staff members who told her Cian had had an accident. She said she was taken to a room where Cian was lying and seemed to be unconscious.
Mrs Lyden, who had completed a first aid course, started CPR with staff, but Cian could not be revived.
Childcare worker Christine Conroy told West Galway coroner Dr Ciaran McLoughlin that children had been eating sticks of vegetables when Cian became distressed, as he appeared unable to catch his breath. The inquest heard other staff slapped his back and examined his mouth.
Dr McLoughlin said it was very tragic for the family.