Verdict of accidental death given at rally crash inquest

A verdict of accidental death has been returned at an inquest into the tragic deaths of two people killed while attending the Cavan Motor Club special stages rally in Bailieborough last year. Joe Lane (50) from Galway and Caroline Cleary (29) from Wexford were killed when an out-of-control Mark II Ford Escort, driven by Michael Conlon with Aiden Boyle as navigator, left the road and crashed into a fence near to where they and others were standing as spectators at Monaghannoose, Bailieborough on Sunday, May 27, 2012. A number of other spectators were injured as a result of the incident, though no evidence was given in relation to them during the inquest. Joe Lane, a professional rally sports photographer died from multiple injuries and bone fractures, laceration to the liver and a ruptured diaphragm, injuries consistent with a fatal road accident. His wife Martina, who was in attendance at the inquest at Cavan Court House today (Thursday 24) before County Coroner Dr. Mary P. Flanagan had her deposition read as evidence by Garda Inspector Pat McMorrow. Sean Hayde, from west Cork, a rally car navigator also gave evidence at the inquest regarding the circumstances surrounding his partner Ms Cleary's death. She died from multiple injuries and bone fractures, laceration to the liver and severe brain injury. For a full report on the Inquest, see next week's Anglo-Celt newspaper.