West Mayo community mourning tragic road death of popular personality
The victim of a fatal road crash on the N5 near Swinford yesterday has been named locally in Mayo as Ciaran Keating, Lecanvey, Westport.
He suffered fatal injuries in the two-vehicle impact in the townland of Ballymiles, about half way between Swinford and Bohola.
Aged in his 50s, the deceased was widely known across west Mayo and ran Maxwell's Bar in Lecanvey, Westport, for a number of years.
The news of the tragedy has evoked a tremendous sense of sorrow and loss in the community at large where he was held in high regard.
His wife Annmarie, a secondary teacher, was taken to Mayo University Hospital for treatment to injuries sustained in the accident, which are understood not to be life threatening.
The deceased was father of talented Cork City FC player, Ruairí Keating,
In a statement, the League of Ireland club said: "We are deeply saddened at the passing of Ciaran Keating, father of our player Ruairí Keating.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to Ruairí and the entire Keating family at this exceptionally difficult time.
"May he rest in peace.
"We ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this difficult time. Funeral arrangements will be confirmed in due course."
In a statement, the Marie Keating Foundation said: “The whole team and board of the Marie Keating Foundation are devastated to learn of the tragic death of Ciaran Keating.
“Together with his family, Ciaran established the foundation following the death of his mother Marie to breast cancer 25 years ago.
“Ciaran was such a great supporter of our work and often acted as relief driver of our mobile information unit in the west when time allowed. He joined us recently to celebrate 25 years of the foundation at our annual celebrity golf classic in the K Club.
"Our deepest sympathies are extended to his wife Annemarie, his children Ruairí, Conall and Ashling Marie, his father Gerry, to his brothers Gerard, Gary and Ronan and to his sister, our friend and colleague Linda, and his extended family and friends. May he rest in peace.”
The male driver of the second vehicle is receiving treatment in hospital for serious injuries.
Also hospitalised was a male passenger in the second vehicle.
Ciaran Keating’s death is being widely mourned in his adopted county of Mayo, to where he moved from his native Dublin 15 years ago.
Westport Councillor Christy Hyland, an independent member of Mayo County Council, stated: “Our sympathy goes out to all the Keating family. Ciaran’s death is truly shocking."
He extended his deepest sympathy to the Keating family on their immeasurable loss.
A technical examination of the crash scene and the vehicles involved has been conducted by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.
The coroner for Mayo has been notified and a post mortem is to take place later.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Swinford Garda Station on (094) 925 2990, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.