Tributes paid after two Irish workers killed in UK road accident
Barry O'Connell (50) from Rien Roe, Adare, Co Limerick and Eoin Fitzgerald (25) from Barragougeen, Moyvane, Co Kerry were travelling together in a van on the A14 in Northamptonshire at around 9.15pm on February 19. Mr O'Connell was a passenger.
A Northamptonshire police spokesperson said the collision involved a Volkswagen Caddy and a HGV lorry. "The passenger in the Volkswagen died at the scene.
The driver of the Volkswagen - a man in his 20s - is believed to have got out of the vehicle but was sadly killed when he entered the eastbound carriageway," said the police spokesperson.
Barry O'Connell
Minister of State and Limerick County TD Niall Collins said "The local community were saddened to hear of his passing in such tragic circumstances. The O'Connell family are well-known, popular and highly respected," said Mr Collins.
One friend said'' There are no words to express just how sorry & upset we are at the sad & tragic passing of Barry.
We all have many great stories to tell & only the fondest memories of Barry in our house growing up with the lads, thick as thieves himself & Kieran were''.
Rest in Eternal Peace Barry , we will forever remember you with love & laughter Mr O'Connell is survived by his mother, Maureen, his daughter, Rebecca, his sisters, Susie and Edel, and his brothers, Michael, Andrew, and Steven.
His funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday March 5th at 12 noon with burial immediately afterwards in St. Nicolas' Cemetery, Adare.
Eoin Fitzgerald (25) is survived by his parents James and Katie, brothers James, Andrew and sister Aoife.
His remains will repose at Lyons Funeral Home, Derry, Listowel, on Thursday evening, March 6th, from 4.00pm to 7.00pm. Funeral arriving to St.
Mary's Church, Tarbert, on Friday morning at 11.45am, with the Requiem Mass for Eoin being celebrated at 12 noon, followed by burial afterwards in Ahavoher Cemetery, Moyvane.
Paying tribute one friend said'' Fondest memories of Eoin during his time in Tarbert Comprehensive a charming rogue! Thinking of and praying for you all-may Eoin rest in peace''.
Another said ''Eoin was a fine hard working and funny young man who I had the pleasure to know and work with ''.
Eoin Fitzgerald
Eoin's former teacher at Ballyguilltenane NS said'' I have fond recollections of a shy, quiet young man, with a beautiful, gentle smile, as he sat in front of me in the classroom in Ballyguiltenane NS. No matter the lesson, Eoin brought the subject around to tractors and farming.
It is dark now, during these difficult days - but may your many, many happy memories come back to you and allow the light back into your lives, in time.
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers''.
Detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are now appealing for witnesses.
Officers would like to hear from anyone who may have dash-cam footage that captured any part of either collision or anyone who may have witnessed what happened.
Anyone with information is asked to email [email protected] or call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615, or Northamptonshire Police on 101, quoting incident number: 25000101208.