Horror hit and run sparks outrage in Limerick communities

A GROUP of friends are this Christmas rallying around a mum-of-two after she was left for dead by a hit-and-run driver on a pedestrian crossing.

Megan Whelan, originally from Knockainey, was out for a stroll on Sunday night in Kilmallock when she was struck by a vehicle which then left the scene.

It is understood that due to the force of the collision she was thrown up in the air and hit the windscreen. The car was later found burnt out in Tankardstown Cemetery outside the town.

A man who was outside the Gala supermarket came to her aid and contacted emergency services. Megan is currently in University Hospital Limerick and will need surgery on a shoulder and leg due to a number of fractures before she commences on a long road to recovery.

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On Monday, friends of Megan in the local walk and talk group set up a Go Fund Me page to help Megan and her family this Christmas.

Kilmallock woman Libby Maguire, who also attended the scene on Sunday evening to help, said: “It is shocking what happened. Everybody is horrified. Due to the time of year and Megan having two small kids, if we can take the stress out of Christmas at least for her and let her concentrate on her recovery.”

As of this Thursday lunchtime, the target of €2,500 has been surpassed due the generosity of over 100 people - click here to donate.

“We are thrilled at the response,” said Libby.

A walk for Megan has also been organised for this Thursday at 6.30pm, starting at the soccer field.

“We are doing a raffle in the clubhouse afterwards. We have already received over €1,000 in prizes from local businesses. The community spirit in Kilmallock is incredible. Megan has been in touch with us and is so appreciative to everybody for what they are doing,” said Ms Maguire, who added that Megan joined their walking and social group earlier this year.

“We all fell in love with Megan. She is only a young girl with two small kids. She loves walking and the laughs and craic we would have,” said Libby.

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Gardai immediately launched an investigation following the hit and run on Sheares Street on Sunday night at 9.30pm. Anybody who may have witnessed what occurred, has dashcam footage, or saw a car being driven in a suspicious manner is asked to contact Bruff garda station on 061 382940.

Gardai are understood to be following a number of lines of enquiry including that the driver was a person from the Kilmallock area as local knowledge would be required to pick Tankardstown Cemetery to burn out the vehicle. They opened gates, tried to hide the car as far down a passage as possible before setting it alight.

They then closed all the gates behind them as they made their escape.