Ballina man died ‘a hero’ protecting his niece

A BALLINA man who died while shielding his niece from the brunt of a collision while crossing the road was a hero, the inquest into his death has heard.

James Moyles (33) of 37 Mount Assumpta, Ballina suffered fatal injuries after he was hit by a vehicle on Lord Edward Street, Ballina on February 21, 2024.

The inquest into his death which opened in Swinford Courthouse yesterday (Monday) heard that Mr Moyles was a hero to his niece for shielding her from the collision.

Mr Moyles was taken to Mayo University Hospital following the collision but died the following day while in Intensive Care as a result of his injuries.

Dr Fadel Bennani, Consultant Pathologist in MUH explained that Mr Moyles suffered rib fractures to his left side but also suffered a fracture to the base of the skull resulting in massive subarachnoid haemorrhage and this was the cause of his death.

Mr Patrick O’Connor, Coroner for the district of Mayo adjourned the finalisation of the inquest to a later date pending the conclusion of the Garda investigation into Mr Moyles’s death.

He expressed his sympathy to Mr Moyles’ family describing him as ‘very brave in his actions’, perhaps saving his niece’s life.

Court presenter, Sergeant Seán McHale said he knew Mr Moyles very well through the deceased man’s work in the Ballina community and said he will be sorely missed by his family and the community. He said he was well thought of around Ballina for the work he did while David O’Malley, solicitor for the Moyles family, said Mr Moyles was ‘a hero’ to his niece and the family acknowledged the kind words of sympathy.