Local teenager dies in road accident in England

A local teenager has died following an accident in England.

18-year-old student Philip Ganly, who is originally from Drumraney, lost his life in the early hours of Thursday last following a road traffic collision in Kent, where he was studying at Canterbury Christ Church University.

The young man, who played football at several grades with Maryland GAA club, is believed to have been walking along the London-bound carriageway of the A2 at Canterbury, when he was hit by a lorry at 12.25am on Thursday morning. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

It's believed Philip's parents and family were informed of his death yesterday. There has been widespread shock throughout south Westmeath since the new filtered out, with numerous tributes to the teenager on social media sites, Facebook and Twitter.

Maryland GAA posted this message on Facebook in tribute to their former player: 'A dark cloud descended over Drumraney yesterday as the shocking news of Philip's passing spread among his friends and teammates. No one wanted to believe it at first, how could such a great young man with such a bright future be taken from us so soon.

He could lighten the mood in any situation and make anyone smile. Philly was one of our most talented young players, had a huge love for sport and was a part of our Senior panel and was part of the team that had won the Division 5 this year.

Philly was an extremely popular young man who made friends everywhere he went and will be missed by everyone he met. Words can't describe how we all feel today. Taken too soon from us. Our prayers are with your family. You'll never be forgotten, always be a Maryland Star. RIP Philip Ganly'.