Man, 20s, arrested after horror hit-and-run in Limerick town
GARDAI in Bruff have arrested a man in connection with a horror hit-and-run in County Limerick that left a young mum-of-two for dead on a pedestrian crossing.
Due to the force of the collision, which took place on Sheares Street in Kilmallock, she was thrown up in the air and hit the windscreen. The car was later found burnt out in Tankardstown Cemetery outside the town.
There was anger and revulsion in Kilmallock with one saying “you wouldn’t leave a dog lying on the road like that”. Luckily, a man who was outside the Gala supermarket at the time came to her aid and contacted emergency services.
The victim - Megan Whelan, aged in her 30s, from Knockainey - was rushed to University Hospital Limerick. She subsequently required surgery on her shoulder and leg due to a number of fractures before she commenced on a long road to recovery.
Gardai attached to Kilmallock and Bruff immediately launched an investigation following the hit and run at 9.30pm on December 11.
The Limerick Leader has learned that a man has been arrested in connection with the hit and run following a lengthy and detailed garda enquiry.
A garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí attended a road traffic collision which occurred in Kilmallock on December 11, 2022. As part of investigations into this incident, a man, aged in his 20s, was arrested on March 29. He was detained at a garda station in the Limerick area and later released without charge.” A file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The good people of Kilmallock immediately rallied around Megan and her family. They set up a Go Fund Me page, organised a walk and held a raffle.
Over 50 people including members of Megan’s family braved freezing conditions to gather at the soccer club to go for a walk around the town before the raffle took place.
There was incredible generosity from the business community in Kilmallock with over 33 raffle prizes donated totaling over €1,000.
In total, €6,000 was collected in just a few days between the Go Fund Me page, walk and raffle. The cheque was presented to the appreciative Whelan family to make Christmas that little bit easier after the traumatic event.