A jury of six men returned a verdict of accidental death at the inquest into the death of a man while he rounded-up cattle.
Wexford Coroners Court heard today that 76-year-old Thomas Nolan of Clonamona, Craanford, Gorey died on 27 April 2017, less than a day after he had been knocked to the ground by a number of cattle.
Garda William Murphy said that Mr Nolan had been out herding cattle on his son, Patrick's farm.
Two of his sons, Patrick and Charlie, were helping to move the cattle with him when the accident occurred.
Patrick Nolan of Clonamona Lane said the three of them were moving cattle across the lane into a nearby field.
They started herding the cattle at around 6.30pm. He and his brother were in front of the herd while his father was at the back.
As they moved them Charlie blocked off a road and when the cattle cleared the lane he moved up towards the top of the herd again to block an upcoming gap in the lane.
The cattle, however, turned and he expected to see his father block them off but he could see him lying on the road in a semi-conscious state.
An ambulance was called and Mr Nolan was brought to Wexford General Hospital where he died the following day.
Consultant pathologist Dr Rob Landers said Mr Nolan had bruising to both eyes, forehead and face.
An internal examination showed evidence of severe underlying heart disease.
His skull was fractured on one side and he had associated right subdural haematoma causing pressure and swelling on the brain.
He said that Mr Nolan had been taking a prescribed blood thinning medication.
Dr Landers said cause of death was traumatic subdural haemorrhage.
County coroner Dr Sean Nixon said the injuries sustained by Mr Nolan were probably aggravated by the blood thinning medication.
He recommended that the jury return a verdict of accidental death which they agreed with.
