Clergymanactor died in freak achill flood inquest told

by Tom Shiel

AN 81 year-old clergyman/actor was drowned in a flood last weekend which resulted from a 'freak' combination of torrential rain and a high tide, an inquest was told today (Friday).

Veteran actor and retired Anglican priest Roger Grainger drove downhill into floods at Dugort, Achill Island around 10 p. m. on Sunday night last, Sergeant Rory Brennan told an inquest in Castlebar.

Sergeant Brennan explained: “The car was taken out of his (Rev Grainger's) control into the middle of the flood. His car was trapped between a wall and a ditch.

“Efforts to free him by local people were unsuccessful. Only when emergency services came could he be taken from the vehicle.”

Sergeant Brennan told Coroner John O'Dwyer the road close to the sea at Dugort was deep in water at the time due to a combination of torrential rain, a high tide and high winds. Two drains were coming down the hillside were flooded.

Dr. Fadel Bennani, consultant pathologist, who carried out a post mortem at Mayo General Hospital, said the body showed no evidence of injuries sustained in a road traffic incident.

There was no damage to either to internal or external organs, the pathologist, who went to described Rev Grainger as ' a healthy man', explained.

Dr. Bennani outlined the cause of death as asphyxia due to drowning.

On the application of Garda Supt. Sean Colleran, the coroner adjourned the inquest to December 14 to allow for the completion of full garda investigations.

A funeral service for Rev Grainger will be held at St. Thomas' Church, Dugort, tomorrow (Saturday) at 11 a m

Afterwards, the remains will be brought to Dublin for cremation.

The remains of the RADA trained actor, who starred in a string of TV dramas including 'Last of the Summer Wine', “Heartbeat” and “Emmerdale”, will be flown to England next week for a service of holy communion at Wakefield Cathedral.

He is to be laid to rest in Wakefield beside the remains of his late former wife, Doreen.