Ireland Family Praised For Donating Girl's Heart

The family of a 21-year-old girl who died at the hands of a man convicted of dangerous driving causing death were thanked yesterday for their bravery in donating her heart, which is now prolonging the life of a 12-year-old English boy.

South Mayo coroner Mr John O'Dwyer stated at the inquest in Castlebar into the death of Bernadette Jennings, Monument View, Westport, that it was extremely generous of the Jennings family to allow the organ donation, particularly given the circumstances of her death.

Ms Jennings died just days after her 21st birthday celebrations on 20th November 1999 following injuries she sustained in a road accident while travelling as a passenger in a car driven by Paul Gilmore, Old Court Manor, Cloughmills, Ballymena, Co Antrim.

At Castlebar Circuit Court on Friday, Gilmore, who had been living in Westport for the past two years, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment and was disqualified from driving for 15 years, after a jury found him guilty of dangerous driving causing death.

At the inquest, Gilmore, who was transported from Castlerea Prison as a witness, publicly acknowledged his guilt. Addressing the Jennings family, he said: "I take full responsibility. It was my dangerous driving on the road that night that caused the death of Bernadette Jennings."

The inquest also heard Gilmore had attended court in Swinford on the morning of the accident, where he was convicted of speeding.

More than a dozen witnesses gave evidence at the inquest which concluded with the jury returning a verdict of accidental death with injuries consistent with a road traffic accident.

Mr O'Dwyer, extending his sympathy to the Jennings family on the tragedy, said it would also be remiss of him not to extend sympathy to Gilmore and to acknowledge he too would have a burden to carry for many a long day.

"I also acknowledge the generosity of the Jennings family on their donation for transplant of Bernadette's heart, which was a brave move to make.

"It was a difficult time for them to make such a brave decision. I am happy to read a report from the transplant co-ordinator at Blanchardstown Hospital that a 12-year-old boy in Newcastle, England, is the recipient and he is continuing to do well and is now leading a full and active life.

"A child has a new lease of life, which is something you must be proud of. Through this child, Bernadette lives on and I hope this will be of some comfort to the Jennings family."

Mr O'Dwyer hoped this story would be an encouragement to others to follow this lead when doctors approach a family for a transplant.

Supt Joe Staunton, on behalf of the gardaí, also extended his sympathy to the Jennings family on their tragic loss, as did jury foreman Mr Frank Forde, on behalf of the jury.

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This article posted July 28, 2000.