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Two Irish workers, 50 & 25, killed in horror UK crash between lorry and van as tributes pour after community devastated

TRIBUTES are been paid to two Irish workers who were killed in a collision in the UK last month.

Barry O’Connell, 50, from Limerick[1] and 25-year-old Eoin Fitzgerald from Kerry[2] were travelling together in a van that crashed on the A14 in Northamptonshire at around 9.15pm on February 19.

Man in gray suit outdoors.

2

Barry O’Connell sadly passed away at the sceneCredit: RIP.ie
Headshot of a young man wearing a navy polo shirt.

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Eoin Fitzgerald sadly passed away after the crashCredit: RIP.ie

Northamptonshire[3] police said the collision involved a Volkswagen Caddy and a HGV lorry.

Mr O’Connell, who was a passenger, died at the scene of the incident and Mr Fitzgerald was killed after getting out of the van

A police spokesperson said: “The passenger in the Volkswagen died at the scene.[4]

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.”

he local community were saddened to hear of his passing in such tragic circumstances. The O’Connell family are well-known, popular and highly respected.”

In a poignant tribute, one friend told how there are “no words” to express their “sorry and upset” at the tragic passing of Mr O’Connell.

They said: “We all have many great stories to tell and only the fondest memories of Barry in our house growing up with the lads, thick as thieves himself and Kieran were.

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Rest in Eternal Peace Barry, we will forever remember you with love and laughter.”

Mr O’Connell’s funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday March 5th at 12 noon, with burial immediately afterwards in St Nicolas’ Cemetery in Adare.

 Eoin Fitzgerald is survived by his parents James and Katie, brothers James, Andrew and sister Aoife.

His remains will repose at Lyons Funeral Home in Listowel, on Thursday evening from 4pm until 7pm.

His funeral will take place in St Mary’s Church in Tarbert, at 12 noon on Friday, followed by burial afterwards in Ahavoher Cemetery in Moyvane.

HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTES

The young man has been remembered as a “hard-working and funny” person by devastated mourners.

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’s former teacher at Ballyguilltenane NS told how he had a “beautiful, gentle smile”.

POLICE APPEAL

They wrote: “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 to the crash.

A police spokesperson said: “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.

References

  1. ^ Limerick (www.thesun.ie)
  2. ^ Kerry (www.thesun.ie)
  3. ^ Northamptonshire (www.thesun.ie)
  4. ^ police (www.thesun.ie)