Prison officer dies after attack

Mayo-born prison officer dies after attack


Rowan Gallagher

A PRISON officer and father of three from Mayo died suddenly after allegedly being attacked by a young inmate of Loughhan House, Cavan.
PJ Doran of Doohama and Bangor Erris suffered a suspected heart attack after he was involved in an altercation with the youth who is serving a short sentence at the facility for minor offences.
It is understood that Mr Doran, a medical officer at the prison, had come across a youth listening to loud music and an altercation ensued which allegedly resulted in the prison officer being pushed in the chest, straining his heart. Mr Doran became ill after the incident and became unconscious.
He was on his way to the hospital in a colleague’s car when he is believed to have suffered a massive heart attack.
He was declared dead on arrival at Sligo General Hospital, which is a car journey of approximately 40 minutes from the prison.
Gardaí from Monaghan entered the prison soon after and are understood to have interviewed the deceased man’s colleagues as well as the prisoner who was involved in the altercation with the officer.
Gardai are continuing their investigation into the incident. Mr Doran had worked as a prison officer for more than 30 years.
The funeral Mass is taking place today, Tuesday, Church of the Sacred Heart, Bangor Erris at 12 noon with the funeral proceeding to Bangor Erris cemetery.
Donations if desired to the Irish Heart Foundation.