'A gentle giant': Tributes pour in for Mayo man killed in tragic crash

Tributes have been pouring in for the man who died following a crash in Co Mayo earlier this week has been named locally.

James Moyles, aged 33, from Ballina, died at Mayo University Hospital after sustaining serious injuries.

James saved his niece before dying. She was injured in the incident but was discharged from hospital. 

The pair had just been on the way to the shop when the crash occurred.

Since the tragic news broke out, tributes have been pouring out for James, who has been described as a "gentle giant".

"It's the most heartbreaking thing anyone could go through to go to a shop and never come back you are hero James Moyles you saved your niece who you thought the world of my heart goes out to the family of James it's just so heartbreaking and I know no words will console ye at this sad time. Rest in peace gentle giant," wrote someone in tribute.

"Sincere sympathy to all the Moyles family, extended family and friends. James shared 2 years with myself and many others in VTOS between 2014-2015. He was a gentle giant and kept contact with a lot of us over the years. My Iast message with him was the end of January. We have so many happy memories of James, trips - Ireland and abroad - Belgium, Brugge, - we are devastated at his passing. Please God the memories you treasure and the support you feel will in time ease your pain and loss," paid someone in tribute. 

James, of 37 Mount Assumpta in Ballina, is predeceased by his grandparents Mary and Val Moyles, James and Margaret Hyland and by his godmother, Ann O’Reilly.

Beloved son of Michael and Ann, dear brother of Mary, Michelle, Sean, and Shane. He will be sadly missed by his parents, siblings, his adored nieces Mia and Croía, brother-in-law Ronan, aunts, uncles, relatives, neighbours, and his large circle of friends.

James will be reposing at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina (F26 V274) on Sunday evening, February 25 from 5pm, with removal at 6.30pm to St Patrick’s Church, Ballina arriving for 7.15pm.

Requiem Mass will take place on Monday morning at 11am, with the funeral proceeding to Leigue Cemetery, Ballina for burial.

The collision, which involved a car and two pedestrians, occurred on Lord Edward Street in Ballina.

Gardai have renewed their appeal for witnesses of the collision to come forward. They have urged those with camera footage (including dash-cam) from the area at the time to provide it to the Gardai.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station 096 20560 or any Garda station.