Pedestrian who died in Mayobridge collision named locally as ‘devoted daddy’ and ‘hardworking family man’
A pedestrian who died following a collision with a car in Co Down[1] on Friday morning has been named locally as Darren Rooney. Known to friends as Joe, the collision happened on the Hilltown Road, Mayobridge shortly before 6am. The pedestrian, who was in his 40s, was described as a “hardworking family man and devoted daddy”.
The PSNI[4] said the collision involved a grey coloured Audi A4. Independent councillor Jarlath Tinnelly said Darren Rooney was a “devoted” father-of-four who was originally from the Rostrevor area but lived in Mayobridge. “I am very sorry to hear the awful news that a road traffic accident in Mayobridge has claimed the life of a young local man, Darren Rooney,” councillor Tinnelly said.
“A native of Rostrevor and someone I have known a lifetime, Darren or ‘Joe’ as he was better known to most was a hardworking family man and devoted daddy to four young children.” He continued: “My thoughts and prayers go out to his partner Cathrina and his young family. One can only imagine the heartbreaking devastation this news has brought to them and indeed his wider family circle who have tragically lost multiple family members throughout this year.
“Having spoken to Darren as recently as Tuesday past at the Ulster Minor GAA Championship Semi-final in Belfast, I know everyone in Mayobridge and Rostrevor will join me in sending sincere and heartfelt condolences to Darren’s partner Cathrina, his young children, his mother Teresa, brothers Gary & Conor and wider Rooney & Morgan families at this desperately sad time.” He added: “Tragedies such as this are always more poignant when they occur at this time of year, a time for family, a time for rest and a time for celebration and it is utterly heartbreaking to realise when the Rooney family sat down to their Christmas[5] dinner last Monday, little did they know that their lives would be so cruelly shattered within a few short days and their Christmases will never be the same again.” A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “The Police Service of Northern Ireland can confirm that a man has sadly died following a road traffic collision in the Mayobridge area early this morning, Friday 29th December.
PSNI Sergeant Green said: “Shortly after 6am, police received a report of a collision at Hilltown Road involving a male pedestrian and a grey coloured Audi A4. The pedestrian, a man aged in his 40s, sadly passed away at the scene. “The road was closed for a period of time but has since re-opened.
“Our enquiries are ongoing, and we are appealing to anyone who was travelling in the area at the time of the collision, or who has any dash cam or mobile phone footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 247 of 29/12/23.”
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References
- ^ Co Down (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
- ^ Lydia Ross: Dad’s tribute to ‘beautiful daughter’ killed in Co Derry crash (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
- ^ Mayobridge crash: Police confirm death of pedestrian following collision (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
- ^ PSNI (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
- ^ Christmas (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
- ^ Click this link (chat.whatsapp.com)
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