3 days ago
Tributes pour for retired engineer who died in Kerry road accident
Tributes have been paid to this pensioner – who was one of two cyclists to die on Irish roads within 24 hours.
Paddy O'Donoghue, 78, was killed when he was struck by a vehicle as he cycled in his native Co Kerry on Tuesday afternoon.
Mr O'Donoghue, who was from Muckross in Killarney, lost his life in the accident near Kilgarvan at around 1.40pm. Mr O'Donoghue was a former engineer at Kerry County Council and was well known and respected in the area.
Local Non-Party councillor Martin Grady, who knew Mr O'Donoghue, paid an emotional tribute to him on Wednesday.
He told The Irish Mirror: 'Paddy was a true gentleman. He loved the outdoors. He was a keep fit man, enjoyed Kerry's beauty every opportunity he got. He loved hillwalking and cycling.
'I want to offer my condolences to his family and friends.
'Paddy was an engineer with Kerry County Council. The community is saddened and shocked by his passing. May he rest in peace.'
And Killarney Independent Ireland councillor John O'Donohue said: 'It is terrible news. Paddy was held in very high regard by the local community.'
Fianna Fail Killarney councillor Niall Kelleher said: 'I knew Paddy. He was very caring. He was a very nice man. It is very shocking new for the entire community.'
His death notice on says funeral details for the father of seven will be confirmed later.
It says: 'Beloved husband of Brenda and loving father of Florence, Áine, Denise, Brenda, Báirbre, Patrick and Alice. Sadly missed by his loving family, adored grandchildren Niamh, Dáire, Edward, John, David, Lily Bea, Sadhbh, Sebastian, Abigail, Victoria, Anna, Amelia, Thomas, Hugh, Leonie, Patrick and Oscar, brother John, sisters Margaret , Kathleen and Anna, daughters-in-law Noelle and Katie, sons-in-law Martin, Charlie, Paul, Marc and Jonathan, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
'Paddy is pre-deceased by his parents Florence and Anna, his brother Michael and sister Lily. Funeral arrangement later.'
The incident happened on the R569 road, Church Grounds in Kilgarvan, Gardaí said. Mr O'Donoghue was declared dead at the scene. Gardai say the Coroner has been informed and a post-mortem examination will take place.
The road was sealed off overnight, but was reopened on Wednesday morning. Gardaí say investigations are ongoing and they have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
It said in a statement: ' Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 1pm and 2pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."
Meanwhile, Gardaí in south west Dublin are investigating the death of a cyclist early on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old died after he was struck by a van in Lucan at 7.30am. He is believed to be from the area. Gardaí said in a statement the young man died from his injuries in hospital.
It said: 'Shortly after 7:30am, Gardaí were alerted after a cyclist was struck by a van at the junction of Griffeen Avenue, R136 and Balgaddy Road.
'The cyclist, a 19-year-old male, received treatment at the scene before being transported by ambulance to Tallaght Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. No other injuries were reported.
'Garda Forensic Collision Investigators are currently examining the scene and local traffic diversions are in place. The local coroner has been notified and arrangements will be made for a post-mortem examination.'
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.
The force said: 'Road users who may have relevant camera footage (including dash-cam) and were traveling in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
'Anyone with information is asked to contact Lucan Garda Station at (01) 666 7300, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.'
