LIMERICK city coroner John McNamara says that questions still remain about the death of a fisherman who drowned in the River Shannon last year.
An inquest into the death of Nicholas Lyons this Tuesday heard that when his body was taken from the river Shannon at Mungret, a mark was found on his jaw.
State Pathologist, Professor Dr Marie Cassidy said that she could not exclude the possibility that Mr Lyons had received a punch or blow to the face which resulted in him falling into the river and drowning.
Subsequently, the Limerick City Coroner said that the court had to record an open verdict as the there was still some concern about how the 33 years-old died.
Mr Lyons, of St Ita’s Street, St Mary’s Park, was a keen fisherman and his brother John said that on April 21 last, he went to the area known as the Jetty in Corbally where his brother was fishing. Nick, he recalled, had some drink taken and was in good spirits.
The court was told that shouting was heard on the river bank near to where Mr Lyons was last seen fishing.
John Lyons said that when he returned to the area where his brother was, he found his bike in the water and the contents of his fishing bag strewn around the area.
This made him think that there had been some row or fracas involving his brother and someone else.
David Hayes gave evidence of crossing Corbally Bridge at 8:45pm and recalled seeing Nick Lyons fishing alone at the jetty.
Three hours later, when he returned to the bridge he heard shouting on the river bank but couldn’t see how many people were there.
Tyrone Price said that he was walking in the area around 10.30pm and saw two men either talking closely or hugging. He said he couldn’t be certain if they were arguing or not.
Prof Dr Cassidy said toxicology tests indicated high levels of alcohol in Mr Lyons’ blood as well as the presence of tranquilisers.
She also found an injury to Mr Lyons jaw which could have been caused by a blow or a punch.
The cause of death was consistent with drowning but alcohol and medication were contributory factors.
Mr McNamara said it was not clear what caused the mark to Mr Lyons jaw but the Gardaí were satisfied there was no foul play.
“Clearly, without any doubt, Nicholas Lyons did not intend to die that night. Because there are some concerns I think the most appropriate verdict is an open verdict. There are some questions unanswered”, he said.
