Two gardai who were killed during a car chase in Finglas last year were in a 10-year-old car, inquests at Dublin City Coroner's Court heard yesterday.
The jury returned verdicts of accidental death in both cases and observed that the car might not have been suitable for a high-speed chase due to its age. Garda Garret Harmon (28), of Barretts Park, Sandy Lane, Rush, and Garda Connor Griffin (25), of Roselawn, Lucan, were pronounced dead on admission to the Mater Hospital after the accident at Glasanaon Road on 15th May last.
There were no witnesses but it appears the car went out of control and struck an ESB pole, causing it massive damage.
Sgt John Doyle, Finglas, said Garda Harmon, who was on plainclothes duty, and Garda Griffin, a probationary member of the force, were in Finglas Garda station shortly after 5.00 a.m. completing paperwork before their shift ended at 6.00 a.m.
A call about a car chase in the area came through and both men responded immediately and voluntarily. Minutes later the accident was reported to the station. Sgt Doyle went to the scene to direct operations.
Garda John Faherty, Santry, said he and a colleague were on patrol in a jeep when they were alerted about a stolen car. They saw the car and gave chase. A marked patrol car from Ballymun and an unmarked car from Finglas joined them.
They allowed these cars to pass them and were behind the unmarked car. It went out of sight for a couple of seconds and as they rounded a bend they saw the rear end go up in the air and come down to the ground. They called an ambulance and fire brigade and gave what assistance they could to their dying colleagues.
Insp John Mulligan, Blanchardstown investigated the accident. He said Garda Harmon had been driving the car for about two months since it was assigned to Finglas. He was an accomplished driver even though he had not taken advanced driving instruction. Neither man appeared to have been wearing a seat belt at the time.
Garda Seamus Bonner, a public service vehicles inspector, said he examined the car and found it had 114,671 miles on the clock. The tyres, brakes and steering on the car were in good condition before the accident.
Chief Supt J McLoughlin said a portrait of the two men had been hung in Finglas Garda station. "These were two brave young men from caring, loving and close-knit families. Young people in Finglas cried at the news of their deaths and the flowers and letters of sympathy received were an indication of the place they held in the community."