RIP: Funeral arrangements for Longford man who died in tragic car crash announced

The funeral arrangements for the Longford man who died in a tragic car crash in Westmeath have been announced. 

The driver of one of the cars, a man in his 60s named Tommy Walsh, was pronounced dead at the scene which occurred on the N55 at The Pigeons, Co Westmeath.

His body has since been removed to the mortuary at Tullamore General Hospital where a post-mortem examination will take place and his funeral has been arranged.

A passenger in the car and the driver of the second car, both men aged in his 80s, were conveyed to Tullamore General Hospital to receive treatment for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening at this time.

Tom 'Tommy' Walsh was from 12 Willow Crescent, Ballymahon, Longford and is deeply regretted by his sons Paul, James and Andrew, their mother Sharon and his brothers and sister Jody, Ned, Dermot, Martin and Mary, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours.

He will lie in repose in St Matthew's Church Ballymahon on Sunday evening, March 30 from 5pm until 7pm followed by prayers. Funeral Mass takes place on Monday, March 31 at 11am followed by burial in Kilcommock cemetery. Family flowers only and house private please.

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Mr Walsh was a well known figure throughout the Ballymahon area and his tragic death has shocked the community who have described him as as 'an absolute gentleman'. "He was a true gentleman and Ballymahon won't be the same without Tom."

His work colleagues at the Center Parcs Longford Forest Tech Services Team said 'Tom has been part of the team since the beginning and will a huge loss'.

Local Fianna Fáil councillor Pat O'Toole, who knew Tom for twenty years, told the Irish Independent, "There is a great and profound sense of sadness around the town of Ballymahon at Tom losing his life. He worked with local farmers from the area and came from very well respected and hardworking family. He was just a very nice, decent and gentle guy.”

He also wished the two other men injured in the collision a speedy recovery. 

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Gardaí conducted a technical examination of the scene and are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 10.15am and 11.15am are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Athlone Garda Station on 090 649 2600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.