Hit-and-run driver left engine running as he ran from scene while Limerick nurse had fatal injuries

A HIT-AND-RUN driver fled the scene of a three-vehicle collision so quickly that he left the car’s engine running while a “kind and gentle” nurse had suffered fatal injuries nearby, Limerick Live has learned.

Áine O’Reilly, aged 33, of Pallasgreen was killed - just a few miles from her home - on the N24 near Grange Cross shortly after 11.10pm on Friday night. She was travelling to ShannonDoc to work through the night caring for people.

Many have drawn similarities with UL student Joe Drennan who was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Castletroy in 2023 after he had finished work in a restaurant.

Gardai say they are following “a definite line of enquiry” following the fatal traffic collision on the N24. 

It is believed the driver, who ran away, had undertook a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre. The Leader understands the young man is from a village in County Limerick.

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Ms O’Reilly’s tragic death has left her family, and her friends and neighbours in Pallasgreen, devastated.

She is sadly missed by her heartbroken parents Eugene and Ann, a retired garda and teacher, brothers Eoin, James and Conor, sister-in-law Aisling, nephew Dáire, aunts, uncles, relatives and a wide circle of friends.

Ms O’Reilly’s funeral Mass takes place in St John the Baptist Church, Nicker this Wednesday morning at 11.30am with burial afterwards in St Columba’s cemetery.

Prayers were said at Masses in the parish of Pallsgreen-Temblebraden at the weekend with parish priest Fr Tomás O'Connell saying there was “a pall of gloom” over the locality after news of the tragedy broke.

Local councillors Noreen Stokes, Pallasgreen, and Martin Ryan, Cappamore, have also extended their sympathies to the highly-respected O’Reilly family.

There are 15 pages of condolence on rip.ie thus far with many from nurses who worked with Ms O’Reilly during her career.

One tribute encapsulates the young nurse who touched so many during her all too short life.

“I had the pleasure of training with Áine and worked with her in the Mater Hospital for many years. Áine was a really special person, a fantastic nurse and colleague, a funny, kind and thoughtful friend. 

“She is a huge loss to our profession and to her community. She loved her pets so much and she was a great woman to go to for advice about hair and skin products, she was a wealth of knowledge. Her 30th in Pallasgreen a few years ago was such a fun night and a testimony to how loved she was and what a fun spirit she had,” wrote the fellow nurse.

A tribute on behalf of the entire team of ShannonDoc doctors reads: “We extend our sincere condolences to your family. Áine’s dedication, kindness, and professionalism made a lasting impact . 

“May you find strength and comfort in the love and memories you shared.”

Another mourner recalled that Ms O'Reilly's caring nature was evident early in her life when she was a willing and generous helper in the Youth Section of the 2010 Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes for the Archdiocese of Cashel & Emly.

The sole occupant of the second car, a male driver, aged in his 40s, was conveyed to University Hospital Limerick for treatment of injuries believed to be non-life threatening.

A garda spokesperson said the driver of the third car “fled, leaving the vehicle they were driving at the scene". 

A section of the Limerick to Waterford N24  road was closed for an extensive technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Gardai issued an update on the investigation on Sunday, saying they are “following a definite line of inquiry”.

“Gardaí would like to thank the public for their assistance. Investigations are ongoing. No further information is available at this time,” said a garda spokesperson.

May she rest in peace.