Limerick sports star died after nonsurvivable head injuries following assault - inquest hears

AN INQUEST into the death of a man who was fatally assaulted outside Limerick Colbert Station, heard that he died from blunt force trauma from a fall, with a jury recording a narrative verdict in line with the findings of the Circuit Court. 

Limerick Coroner’s Court in Kilmallock heard that Alan Bourke, 48, of St Munchin’s Street, St Mary’s Park, Limerick City, was in the end stages of liver disease due to excessive alcohol consumption, at the time of his death. 

Detective Garda Dean Landers told the inquest that on April 15, 2022, gardaí got a call about a man who had been assaulted on Parnell Street, near Colbert Station in Limerick city and they were told he was “unconscious, but breathing.” 

“He suffered a head injury and the attacker was no longer at the scene.”

READ ALSO: PICTURES: Commissioner Justin Kelly kicks off regional visits with Limerick Garda Division and rugby match

Mr Bourke was moved into the recovery position at the scene and Detective Garda Landers said “a significant crowd of people had gathered” so the decision was made to move Mr Bourke into the ambulance and he was transferred to University Hospital Limerick (UHL). 

Gardaí preserved the area and identified witnesses, but Alan Bourke was pronounced dead in UHL at 4.07am on April 16, 2022 and a garda investigation was launched. 

The area was well-served by CCTV and Detective Garda Landers, who was the lead investigator, told the inquest that three suspects were identified, a woman who passed away one month after Mr Bourke’s death and two men - Mark Ryan and Michael Casey, who both appeared before the Circuit Court. 

“Witnesses heard a loud bang or thud when Alan Bourke hit the ground. The three people fled the area with his property [a bag of cans of alcohol and a bicycle] while he lay motionless on the ground,” Detective Garda Landers told the inquest. 

On July 19, 2024, Mark Ryan pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and was sentenced by Judge Dermot Sheehan to four and a half years in prison, with the final six months suspended. 

Michael Casey pleaded guilty to manslaughter and on November 27, 2023, was sentenced to seven years in prison, which was backdated to April, 2022 and the final twelve months were suspended. 

The autopsy of Mr Bourke was carried out by Dr SallyAnne Collis and her report was read out in court. 

She noted that the 48-year-old had a fatty liver, showing signs of “chronic alcohol consumption” and “he was in the end stages of liver disease.”

She said looking at the the head wound that "a hammer head may have been used in the assault". 

Mr Bourke had a fractured skull, bruises on his cheek and was bleeding from his scalp, mouth, nostrils and ear. 

“The brain injuries were not survivable,” her report stated. 

“His injuries were consistent with blunt force impact to the face as a result of a punch or punches. There were no obvious offensive or defensive injuries. Injuries to the brain were considered fatal,” according to the pathologist. 

Pneumonia was also detected, but it could not be determined if this was there before or was a result of the injury. 

Alcohol levels in Mr Bourke’s blood were “within the toxic range” which is “likely to have impaired his actions and reactions.”

Cyclizine, diazepam and paracetamol were also found in his system, which were “not thought to have contributed to his death.” 

Dr Collis determined the cause of death as being blunt force head injury as a result of a fall, with the contributory alcohol-related liver disease. 

The jury of three men and three women delivered a narrative verdict in accordance with the findings of the Circuit Court. 

Coroner John McNamara said that many things contributed to Mr Bourke’s death, saying: “If he hadn’t been punched, he wouldn’t have fallen.” 

“For Alan’s family and friends, it’s been a long road you’ve travelled and it has been difficult, I’ve no doubt. He was a young man, I understand he was well-known in sporting circles.

“It’s a terribly tragic way for a life to end.” 

READ ALSO: Limerick councillors back scheme for pet-friendly businesses

Condolences were offered to Mr Bourke’s family by the coroner, the jury and Sergeant David Delahunty on behalf of An Garda Síochána. 

In his younger days Mr Bourke had a promising career in soccer and rugby and was capped for the Republic of Ireland junior soccer team in 1996, in the same year, he also played for Mungret Regional in the FAI Junior Cup final. 

He is survived by his father Mike, sister Diane, brother Barry, his son Matt and brother-in-law Dermot. 

May he rest in peace.