The parents of a 19-year-old student, who died in a road accident on the day he graduated with an agricultural certificate, have settled their High Court action for damages for €200,000 and costs.
Daniel Coakley (67) and his wife, Catherine (61), of Knocknacurra, Bandon, Co Cork, brought their action following the death of their son Gerard on September 14th, 1998. He was a passenger in a car owned by Patrick Callanan and driven by the latter's son, Michael, also a student. It was alleged the car went out of control and struck a ditch near Gaggin, Co Cork.
The Coakleys sued both Michael Callanan and Patrick Callanan, a retired vintner of Dunderrow, Kinsale, Co Cork, and the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland.
Dr John O'Mahony SC, for the Coakleys, told Mr Justice Peart yesterday that, at the time of his death, Gerard had just completed a course in agriculture and was about to come home to the family farm.
On the day he was killed, his parents had attended a ceremony at which Gerard received his certificate in agriculture. After graduation, the parents went home and Gerard remained with his college friends.
In the early hours of the following morning, at about 2 a.m., the parents were in bed when a knock came to the door.
Mr Coakley looked out and, instead of seeing his son, he saw two gardaí and a priest. He realised the news was bad.
He was told Gerard had been killed along with his son's best friend.
Dr O'Mahony said Gerard had been the deputed person who was going to work the farm. Both of his parents were badly affected by his death.