Family of man killed in DIY store wall collapse awarded €750,000

The family of a 48-year-old man from Creenagh, County Longford, who died in a wall collapse at a DIY store has been awarded €750,000 in damages following a High Court settlement. Sean Mulleady sustained fatal injuries when an internal wall, measuring 6.5 metres high and 8.4 metres wide, collapsed on him and several others at Connacht Gold Co-Op Society's premises on Athlone Road, Longford on 29 January 2013. His widow, Teresa Mulleady, brought proceedings on her own behalf and that of their three children against the store operator, the building owners, the construction company, and the project manager. She alleged the defendants had failed to maintain a safe premises and had breached their duty of care. All defendants denied liability. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan approved the settlement, describing it as a good award in the circumstances. The judge commended Mrs Mulleady for her resilience throughout the case.