Agony of mother at tragic road death of only son

ROAD death statistics will take on a chilling and heart breaking reality today in a Co Limerick cemetery.

Jim and Kate Walsh will say their last farewell to their only son, Kevin.

Kevin Walsh, aged 16, from Sycamore Drive, Bruff, was killed instantly on Saturday morning when the car he and his two uncles were travelling in was struck from behind by another vehicle.

The accident happened on the N7 near Toomevara while Kevin was travelling to Newry with his uncles, Declan and Vincent Tierney, to buy a new car for Declan’s hackney business.

Former rugby international, Eddie Halvey, aged 36, who was arrested at the scene has been charged with drink driving.

Speaking at her home yesterday, Kate Walsh said her son lived for sport and the fact that a sportsman had been arrested in connection with her son’s death makes it all the harder to understand.

Kevin’s coffin was brought back to his home yesterday and hundreds called to pay their last respects.

His gaelic football and soccer jerseys were draped over the body.

And a scarf of his beloved Liverpool lay at the end of the coffin.

Kate Walsh, with her other child, daughter Amanda by her side, fought back tears as she said: “When I heard there was an accident and he was hurt I knew he was gone; that my baby was gone because he would have phoned me if he was all right.

“He was my only boy. He was into sports, hurling football soccer. He won county medals. He lived for sports. The clubs brought up his jerseys last night to keep as a memory.

“What really hurts is that Kevin was so into sports and that a sportsman was involved.”

Kevin, she said, was full of life and was looking forward to travelling to Anfield for the first time in a few weeks’ time to see Liverpool the team he adored.

She said her son has gone down as another road death statistic.

Mrs Walsh said: “My baby boy, the only boy I had is gone from me, and not to come back. It hurts so much, but what can we do.”

Every parent she said dreads at some time or other getting the news she got on Saturday morning.

“But you never think it will come to your door. The only thing I will say is that he died doing what he loved, travelling in a car with his uncle, Vincent. He loved cars.

“He adored the ground Vincent walked on and it was consolation he was with his uncles, Vincent and Declan.

“If he was with a crowd of young fellows in a car I would never have forgiven myself. Because he was with his uncles, it makes it easier for me, but at the end of the day, next week or the week after, it won’t make it easier.”

Kate said Kevin was so much looking forward to a visit to Anfield in the next few weeks with his dad, Jim.

She said: “He always wanted to see Anfield. That was his dream. But I’d say where he is now he can get a better picture of it, because he is definitely in Heaven.”