Tributes paid to road traffic accident victim

TRIBUTES have been paid by the Defence Forces to Private Declan Downey who was tragically killed in a road accident at the weekend.

Private Downey (38), who was based at Renmore Barracks in Galway City, died in a single car accident at Cam Hill, near Brideswell, at around 10.30pm on Sunday night.

Declan, from Lisbrock, Kiltoom, was a member of An Chéad Chath for all of his 16 years service in the Defence Forces. During that time he served overseas in numerous overseas missions which included tours of duty to East Timor, Liberia and Kosovo.

Officer Commanding An Chéad Chath (First Infantry Battalion) Lt Col Campion said today that Private Downey was held in great esteem among his colleagues.

“Pte Downey was a well respected member of An Chéad Chath and will be sorely missed by all his colleagues in Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore, Galway and his colleagues currently serving overseas with the 54th Infantry Group UNDOF in the Golan Heights,” he told the Westmeath Independent.

Flags have flown at half mast at Renmore Barracks since Monday morning, as a mark of respect, and this will continue until after the funeral on Thursday.

He is survived by his mother Sadie, son Adam, sister Caroline and girlfriend Natalie.

The late Private Downey's funeral will take place on Wednesday and Thursday. He will repose at St Brigid's funeral home, Brideswell, tomorrow, Wednesday evening, between 6pm and 8pm, with removal to St Brigid's Church, Curraghboy.

His funeral Mass will take place at 12 noon on Thursday, followed by burial in Cam Cemetery.

Gardai in Clonark are investigating the accident. Anyone with information should contact Clonark Garda Station on 09064 37102 or Roscommon Garda Station on 09066 38300.