REACTION:GARY WRIGHT and Aidan Dalton yesterday expressed relief at their acquittal, by direction, of the manslaughter of English design engineer Graham Parish.
Mr Parish’s family, who had attended throughout the trial, expressed hope the case would highlight the dangers of drink and prevent similar tragedies.
Looking tired, Mr Wright and Mr Dalton emerged on to the steps of Nenagh Courthouse just before noon yesterday flanked by their solicitor, JJ Fitzgerald, who read a prepared statement. “Gary Wright and Aidan Dalton would first like to extend their sympathy to the Parish family on the tragic loss of Graham Parish – it’s been a difficult time for all concerned,” he said, adding that both men were “very relieved” at the outcome.
“After a six-day trial, the presiding judge directed that the case be withdrawn from the jury. This has been a stressful time in both men’s lives and they are happy that this has been brought to a close. We would ask that the privacy of all concerned be respected.”
A little later Mr Parish’s family – his parents David and Julie and sister Jess – emerged, having earlier issued a statement through the Garda liaison officer, Sgt Tony Quinn, who accompanied the family during the six-day hearing.
Thanking everyone involved in the case and everyone who supported the family since Graham’s death, the Parish family went on to describe their son and brother as a “wonderful, kind and loving person” who had brought them great happiness and would be sorely missed. “Graham was the most brilliant doting daddy, who took fatherhood very seriously. He had never been happier and was truly content. He was a cheerful, intelligent man with a very bright future in front of him,” they said.
“He had the ability to get along with anyone, and always saw the best in people. His many, many friends would testify that Graham could always be relied upon and would be the one to ensure that everyone got home safely.
“He is remembered by his family and friends as an easy-going, cheerful gentleman,” they said, adding he was a very sociable person who liked to enjoy himself and that he lived up to his local reputation as a gentle giant.
“On the night of his death he was celebrating both his birthday and the recent birth of his son. Since becoming a father, he rarely drank and had restructured his work in order to spend more time with his family. Unfortunately, this rare opportunity to ‘let his hair down’ resulted in his death and left his young family fatherless,” said the Parishes, adding they realised they were not the only family affected by the case and that it had repercussions for other families.
“We hope that this case will highlight the dangers of drink, and if it can prevent any more deaths we feel that Graham’s death will not have been in vain,” said the family, who struggled to contain their emotions upon the ruling.
Hayes Hotel later issued a brief statement through general manager Gerry McGovern, saying: “Our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with the Parish family at this time. We would like to express relief that the case has come to an end for everybody.”