‘Community heartbroken’: Limerick teen victim of fatal hit-and-run named
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A man, aged in his 30s, has been arrested by gardai following the collision in Listowel
THE TEENAGER tragically killed in a hit-and-run collision in Listowel has been named locally as Rory O’Connor from Athea in west Limerick.
The collision involving a van occurred at 3am on Saturday morning on the N69 at Dromin Upper, Listowel, County Kerry.
Athea Community Council have led tributes to Rory who celebrated his 17th birthday on Friday.
A post on their Facebook page reads: “Everyone at Athea Community Council CLG was deeply saddened and left numb when the news of Rory O’Connor’s tragic death spread through the community this morning.”
A spokesperson for the community council said they remember Rory (pictured below) fondly from when he kindly read a poem at the retirement event for their local doctor, Dr Kieran Murphy.
“It was a lovely act of kindness and community spirit that has stayed with us.
“Rory was one of our young people, and his loss has left the whole community heartbroken. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this devastating time. As a community, we will stand together in remembering Rory and supporting those closest to him.
“Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam,” concludes the post.
A man has been arrested in connection with the fatal hit-and-run collision.
A garda spokesperson said gardaí located the van and have arrested a male driver, aged in his 30s, who is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 in a garda station in the Kerry Garda Division.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the road fatality to come forward.
“The collision involving a van and a pedestrian occurred after 3am. The van failed to remain at the scene.
“A male pedestrian, aged in his late teens, was pronounced deceased at the scene,” said the garda spokesperson.
The N69 between Cahirdown Roundabout, Listowel (main Tarbert Road) and the townland of Derry, Listowel was closed pending examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.
“Anyone who may have been travelling on the N69 near Dromin Upper, Listowel, Co. Kerry on Saturday, September 26 between 2.30am and 4am and who may have camera footage, including dashcam or mobile phone recordings are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Listowel garda station on (068) 50820, the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station,” said a garda spokesperson.