UPDATE: Fatal Limerick hit-and-run collision victim named as gardai follow 'definite line of inquiry'

GARDAI in Limerick are following a “definite line of enquiry” over a fatal hit-and-run collision in Boher on Friday night.

The incident, involving three cars, occurred at approximately 11.10pm on the N24, near Grange West, Boher. Gardai, firefighters and paramedics all attended the scene.

The sole occupant of one of the cars, a woman aged in her early 30s, was pronounced deceased at the scene. She has been named locally as Áine O’Reilly, a nurse from nearby Pallasgreen.

It is understood that Ms O’Reilly was travelling to ShannonDoc to begin a night shift. 

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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". It is believed they undertook a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre at high speed.

The section of road was closed until Saturday evening for an extensive technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Gardai issued an update this Sunday morning 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.

Limerick Live understands the young man who fled the scene is from a village in County Limerick.

Ms O’Reilly’s tragic death, while on her way to work to care for others, has left her family, and friends and neighbours in Pallasgreen, devastated.

Prayers have been said at Masses in the parish of Pallsgreen-Temblebraden this weekend with parish priest Fr Tomás O'Connell saying there was “a pall of gloom” over the locality.

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

Ms O’Reilly is the daughter of a retired Limerick garda and teacher. She has been described as a “gentle, kind and loving person”. 

“Her love for life and her family, and caring for people and animals, was phenomenal,” said a former work colleague.

May she rest in peace.