A forensic collision investigator told an inquest that he could not find any reason why an articulated truck veered off the road and struck an embankment in an early-morning crash. The inquest into the death of Denis Larrissey, Lower Longwood, Co Meath was conducted by the Coroner for Co Meath Nathaniel Lacy at Trim Courthouse. Garda Sergeant Michael McGowan, Enfield Garda Station said that on 10 th July 2025 at about 5.10am he was informed of a road accident involving an articulated tractor unit at Ballinderry, Enfield. He was told there was no response from the driver and that a witness at the scene could not gain access to the cab. As he was going to the scene he was made aware that two other Gardai were already there but could not get access.
The sergeant said he arrived at the scene at 5.25am. He found the vehicle resting against an embankment. It had been clear the vehicle was travelling in the direction of Longwood near Blackwater Bridge. The cab was facing back towards Longwood and the trailer facing towards Blackwater. The cab and trailer were in the jackknife position. The weather was dry and visibility was about 200 metres. There were fire engines and ambulances at the scene.
At 5.59 personnel stopped resuscitation as there was no sign of life. He had located a driving licence belonging to Mr Larrissey giving his death of birth as 1954. At 6.28am he notified the coroner of the death. He and another Garda informed Mrs Breda Larrissey of Mr Larrissey’s death.
Forensic collision investigator Garda John Walsh told the inquest that from his observations the vehicle veered off to the right into an embankment at a shallow angle causing the tractor unit to lose its front wheels. A dash cam showed the collision and the lead-up to it. There was no sign of pre- collision braking on the road surface and the dash cam or tachograph did not show any deceleration or braking. The vehicle was travelling at 79.5kph when it left the road surface.
Consultant pathologist Professor Muna Sabah who carried out a post mortem on the deceased said that Mr Larrissey had died as a result of thoracic and abdominal injuries following a road accident. She said that the deceased had no alcohol in his system and had medication at low therapeutic levels. In reply to the coroner Professor Sabah said there was no evidence of a cardiac event. The coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.
Mr Lacy said that Mr Larrissey appeared to be a vibrant and busy man and he could not imagine what life was like for his family members following his sudden death. He extended his sympathies to his family. Garda Inspector Alan Roughneen said that it was particularly poignant that the inquest was being held on Denis’s birthday and he also offered his condolences.
