'It's a difficult day for our community' - pedestrian killed in hit and run named locally

The pedestrian who was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Limerick has been named locally.

James Forde, who lived in Clareview in the city, died after he was struck by a vehicle at Ennis Road shortly before 2pm on Tuesday.

A man in his 30s has been arrested in relation to the incident. A maroon-coloured Ford Focus which did not remain at the scene has been recovered.

James, who was in his 50s, lived in Shannamore Park, Clareview, died in University Hospital Limerick (UHL) surrouded by his family on Tuesday.

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The beloved son of Anne and the late Joe Forde, and a treasured brother to Áine, Fintan, Stephen, Walter, Mary, Victor, Paula, Fergal and David.

He is also sadly missed by his loving brothers-in-law Kevin and Shane, sisters-in-law Caroline, Marie-Louise, Stephanie and Diane, his nephews and nieces Molly, Emilie, Elsa, Sam, Elise, Lauren, Conor, Paddy, Marion, Kate, Caoimhe, Alex, Ivy and Isabel, aunts, cousins, neighbours and friends.

His Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday morning. On RIP.ie, his family paid tribute to the dedicated first responders, gardai and the staff of the Accident and Emergency department and Intensive Care Unit at UHL.

Local councillor Olivia O'Sullivan has said the community is saddened by James's tragic death.

"The Fordes are very well-known out here, they are a very well-respected family, who grew up on Brookville Avenue. It's a difficult day for our community. It's tough to lose a family member at any time, but at this time of the year, it's even harder. All my thoughts and sympathies are with the family at this tragic time."

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Anyone with any information on the movements of the Ford Focus around the time of the incident is asked to contact gardaí.

Any road users who were travelling in the area at the time of the collision and who may have camera footage, including dash cam footage, are asked to contact gardaí.

Anyone with any information, is asked to contact Henry Street garda station in Limerick on (061) 212400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.