Community dentist Michael Moran died in a place he loved dearly, inquest hears

Former community dentist Michael Moran will be remembered by those who knew and loved him as a man who lived life to the fullest.

An inquest into the death of Mr Moran, 76, of The Cottage, Ballinakillew, Laghey, took place in Donegal Town Courthouse on Friday, February 23. 

Deputy Coroner Dearbhail Mulhern found that Mr Moran died from drowning, with heart disease being a contributing factor. 

Mr Moran had been swimming in the sea at Rossnowlagh on September 19, 2020 when he became ill. Despite best efforts, he died in Letterkenny University Hospital a short time later.

His son Diarmuid said in his deposition to the inquest: “He loved nature, the beach and swimming in the sea. He lived life to the fullest. 

“It is quite fitting that he died in Rossnowlagh Beach, a place that he loved so much and where his ashes will be scattered. 

“He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.”

Sergeant Stephen Lynch read a deposition by Anita Zachs, a friend and neighbour of the deceased who was with him when the tragedy occurred. She outlined how she knew Mr Moran from when she and her sister Monica previously owned a coffee shop in Donegal Town. The retired dentist had been a regular customer.

On the date in question, Anita’s car had broken down.

“Michael offered to take me and my daughter to Bundoran for her riding lesson,” she said in her deposition. “After that we travelled to Rossnowlagh Beach and arrived just after 5pm.”Anita’s sister Monica was also present on the day in question.

“Michael loved swimming, and the water was beautiful,” said Anita.

While the group were all paddling in shallow water, Mr Moran wanted to go out further, and continued until he was waist deep.

Anita and Monica left the water. A short time later, Anita’s daughter alerted the sisters to the fact that Mr Moran was calling for help. 

Monica made her way to him and found him face down in the water, not moving. 

“With all the people who came to help, we got Michael to the shore and people started CPR,” said Anita.

“A lady who was a nurse said to me to hold his hand and to keep chatting to him.”

A short time later, emergency services arrived.

Garda Mark Geraghty gave evidence of attending the scene with garda colleagues.

Garda Geraghty said there was no sign of injury or visible markings on Mr Moran.

He said the area was very busy with people and he and his colleagues cleared the area while paramedics assisted Mr Moran. The R118 landed once the beach had been cleared, and Mr Moran was conveyed to Letterkenny University Hospital. 

Diarmuid Moran said in his disposition that he had received a call from a friend of his father, telling him what had happened. He travelled to LUH, where his father had by then passed away.

He said that although his father had previous heart problems and was on medication, he enjoyed life, and particularly loved the sea. 

Pathologist Dr Gyorffy gave evidence of the post mortem examination being carried out, saying that there were signs of drowning as well as heart disease and underlying congestion. She said that a pacemaker had been fitted in 2015.

“The cause of death was drowning,” she confirmed, adding: “Heart disease contributed to the death.”Deputy Coroner Ms Mulhern returned a finding of accidental death.

She praised the emergency services for their swift response and their efforts to save Mr Moran.

Ms Mulhern expressed her condolences to Mr Moran’s family, as did Sergeant Lynch on behalf of An Garda Síochana.