Gardai investigate fatal collision near Charlestown

AN investigation has been mounted following the death of an elderly nursing home resident from injuries sustained when he was struck by a car near Charlestown at the weekend.

Louie O'Hara (81), a retired small farmer from Gortermone, Tourlestrane, Co. Sligo, passed away in the intensive care unit of Mayo University Hospital last evening (Monday).

He sustained serious injuries when struck by a car on Saturday evening while walking on the N5 road between Charlestown and Swinford, near Charlestown.

One of his neighbours, Councillor Gerry Lundy, today described him as "a tremendous character in his local community who will be greatly missed.”

Mr. O'Hara will be laid to rest on Thursday in Rhue Cemetery, Tubbercurry, following Requiem Mass in St. Attracta's Church, Tourlestrane, at 12 noon.

Three occupants of the car involved in Saturday's collision were shocked but otherwise uninjured.

Gardaí are seeking witnesses to the collision which occurred around 6.45 p.m. in the townland of Sonnagh, about two kilometres west of Charlestown.