20-year-old who died abroad on Christmas day brings 'unimaginable sadness'

COMMUNITIES in county Clare are mourning the loss of a 20-year-old man who died in tragic circumstances on Christmas day. 

Tim O'Dwyer, from Ennistymon and formerly Ballyvraneen and Lahinch in Clare, died in a single vehicle collision in New Zealand, where he emigrated to in September.

Emergency services attended the scene at approximately 12:45am on Christmas morning (New Zealand time) of a collision in Ashburton. Police confirmed that the sole occupant of the car had died on Methven Highway in the suburb of Allenton. 

Mr O'Dwyer had emigrated with a friend from Miltown Malbay earlier in the year and had been based in Te Ika-a-Māui / north island of New Zealand before moving to Te Waipounamu / south island.

His funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Hundreds of parishioners shared their supports and sympathies online, with one saying: "RIP Tim, a lovely lad, always a wave and a smile. Sincere condolences."

Mr O'Dwyer was reportedly employed by a Liscannor native in New Zealand and was working alongside 20 others from north Clare. His death has brought "unimaginable sadness" to Clare communities and his close and extended families, who are now asking for privacy at this time. 

He is survived by his mother, Carolyn O’Dwyer, father, Brian Shalloo, step-mother, Áine, sisters, Cora and Leah, brothers, Cian, Sam and Jack, grandparents, Mary and Jim O’ Dwyer (Callura, Lahinch) and Brid and Larry Shalloo (Kilfenora), aunts, Pauline, Priya, Tina, Nollaig, Ann Marie and uncles, Thomas, Laurence, Martin and Albert.