Inquest to take place following GSOC probe after death of Offaly man

AN inquest will take place next month into the death of a man in Tullamore nearly two years ago which resulted in a Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) probe.

The coroner's court will hear details of how Paul Keegan, a man in his 40s, died on the afternoon of May 3, 2021 at a solicitors' premises off Patrick Street in the town.

The inquest follows a GSOC disciplinary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man's death.

GSOC was notified the evening of Mr Keegan's death.

Gardai had been called to the scene of a disturbance at Patrick's Court at about 4pm and while the officers were dealing with the incident, they requested urgent medical assistance for Mr Keegan.

He was treated at the scene and removed by ambulance to Tullamore Hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead.

At the time the gardai said the coroner had been notified and the outcome of a post-mortem would determine the course of further enquiries in the case.

A garda spokesperson also said GSOC was notified because the deceased had come to the attention of the gardai.

A GSOC spokesperson said on Tuesday night that its investigation concluded and no indication of garda misconduct was found.

While GSOC is best known for its primary role where it investigates complaints about gardai, under the Garda Siochana Act 2005 it can also look into incidents where gardai were present and a death occurred or a person was seriously injured.

The incident involving the late Mr Keegan occurred outside Brophy Martin Solicitors, Patrick's Court, Patrick Street.

The coroner requested the assistance of GSOC.  Jury summonses received this month by potential jurors in advance of the inquest said GSOC is acting in the capacity of a coroner's agent to establish the inquest, the creation of a jury panel and the presentation of facts at the coroner's court.

"The inquest does not form part of the GSOC investigation, however GSOC’s own investigative file remains open until the conclusion of the Coronial process. As part of that process, a report has been furnished to the coroner by GSOC," said the spokesperson.

Offaly county coroner Raymond Mahon has scheduled the inquest for Friday, February 24 next.

Paul Keegan, Callary Street, Tullamore, was one of three children of the late Michael and Anne Keegan.

He was known locally as an accomplished musician and traditional Irish piper who was pipe major (lead piper) with both St Colmcille's Pipe Band, Tullamore and St Brigid's Pipe Band, Mountbolus (see picture below from 2011, published on St Colmcille's Pipe Band Facebook page).

Mr Keegan also played with a Dublin group, the Fintan Lalor Pipe Band.