Family bid to bring paralysed man home

Tim Healy

THE family of a young man living in a health centre after being almost totally paralysed in a road accident -- but who is able to communicate through eye movements and thumb gestures -- want to bring him home, the High Court heard yesterday.

Shane Cooney (21) lives in Virginia Health Centre in Cavan where he receives round-the-clock care because he suffers from Locked-in Syndrome, his counsel Hugh Mohan said.

Suing through his father, Paudie Cooney, of Lackenmore, Ballyjamesduff, Cavan, Shane has brought an action for damages arising out of an accident in January 2007 at New Inns, Ballyjamesduff, in which he was a front-seat passenger in a car driven by his brother Damien.

Injuries

Damien (18) had to take evasive action as he came upon a car driven by Maureen Cusack of Straugh, New Inns, who was allegedly stopped in a dip in the road as she was about to turn her car around.

Damien's car hit a tree and he was fatally injured.

Shane had to be cut out of the car and was left with massive brain injuries.

The case is also against the boys' mother Geraldine, as owner of Damien's car and administrator of his estate.

Liability has been accepted and it is before the court for assessment only.

The hearing continues.

hnews@herald.ie