Boy killed in Shannon van crash leads to road safety changes after inquest

Dylan Coady-Coleman, a 10-year-old pupil from Shannon, was struck by a van on February 25, 2024, after emerging from between parked cars that blocked his view of oncoming traffic. The driver, Sean Birchall, reported he was in second gear, travelling slowly, and could not see the boy due to the parked vehicles. A forensic investigation found no evidence of excessive speed or drug use, and the driver faced no charges.

The Dublin City Coroner’s Court returned a verdict of misadventure, noting the boy’s lack of visibility and his intention to cross the road. In response, Clare County Council recessed the parking at the site, added a zebra crossing, and introduced additional traffic-calming measures. Dylan’s organs were donated, saving several children’s lives.