A jury at an inquest in Nenagh has returned a verdict of death by misadventure in the case of 16-year-old Kevin Walsh from Bruff, Co Limerick, who was killed in a traffic accident in Co Tipperary in April 2006.
He was the backseat passenger in a car driven by his uncle in the early hours of that morning when it was struck from behind by a land cruiser.
The vehicle was being driven by former Munster and Ireland international rugby player Eddie Halvey.
An inquest heard today that Kevin's uncle, Vincent Tierney, had stopped the car at the side of the road near Toomevara because there were cattle on the road and they wanted to tell gardaí and warn other drivers.
His car was stationary when it was struck from behind by Mr Halvey's car.
Gardaí told the inquest Mr Halvey was slurring his speech, was unsteady on his feet and there was a strong smell of alcohol from him when they spoke to him at the scene of the accident.
They also said he gave two different versions of what led up to the accident that morning.
Mr Halvey was given a seven-month suspended sentence when he pleaded guilty to careless driving and drink driving at Nenagh Circuit Court last May.
Despite a number of invitations, Mr Halvey did not attend today’s inquest.
The Coroner, Joe Kelly, said it was ironic that what started out as a community gesture for the safe passage of other travellers should end in such tragedy.
Following the inquest, Kevin's mother Kate said they were pleased with the jury's verdict and they feel the inquest will bring them some closure.
However, she added they feel they never got justice in the courts for her son.
