'Always had a warm smile for everyone': Funeral arrangements for Limerick man killed in collision

FUNERAL arrangements have been announced for the young Rathkeale man killed in a horrific road traffic collision in County Limerick in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Sammy McInerney, aged 21, was pronounced deceased at the scene of the two-vehicle incident on the N21 at Ballymurragh West, Templeglantine at approximately 12.50am. 

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Three teenagers - two female juveniles and an adult male - were brought to University Hospital Limerick and University Hospital Kerry for treatment of serious injuries. They were all in a vehicle driven by Sammy.

A male, aged in his 20s and believed to be from Ukraine, was the driver of the other car. He was brought to University Hospital Kerry with non-life-threatening injuries.

Sammy, of Pepperd Lane, Rathkeale will repose at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street, Limerick city on Monday afternoon from 1pm to 3pm followed by removal to St Mary’s Church, Rathkeale. 

Requiem Mass will take place on Tuesday at 11.30am followed by burial in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Rathkeale.

The beloved son of Lizzy and Paddy and dearly loved brother of Paddy and Josceline is sadly missed by his loving brother-in-law David and his two nephews Pa and David, sister-in-law Annalise, girlfriend Santana, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and his many friends.

Sammy and Santana had only made their relationship “official” in the days prior to his death.

Numerous condolences have been paid on rip.ie

“Terrible tragedy. What a lovely, handsome, young man taken too soon. May God give ye the strength to get through this heartbreaking time. My thoughts and prayers are with ye all at this devastating time. Spread your wings and fly high. May you rest in perfect peace,” said one.

A school friend of Sammy’s wrote: “He always had a warm smile for everyone he met. Hope you get a lovely bed in heaven.”

Another mourner said: “You will be truly missed in Rathkeale.”

Local councillor Adam Teskey, in expressing his heartfelt condolences, said the community of Rathkeale will not be found wanting when it comes to offering support for those involved in this tragic situation.

“There's definitely another dark cloud for the second year-in-a-row over the town. The family as a whole would be well-known and respected in the community. My sympathies go out to them at this time and to all the others involved in the crash,” said Cllr Teskey.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

"Any road users, who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were traveling on the N21 between Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West between midnight and 1am are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Newcastle West garda station on 069 206 50, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station," said a garda spokesperson.