Heroes dedicated their lives to service of the State

GRIEF-STRICKEN communities in Co Limerick were last night trying to come to terms with the road accident deaths of two men, both husbands and fathers, who had dedicated their lives to the service of the State.

Leading the tributes, Bishop of Limerick Dr Donal Murray said the deaths of garda Brian Kelleher and part-time firefighter Mike Liston should be a reminder of the services both men performed, both voluntarily and professionally.

The bishop said their deaths were terrible tragedies for their wives and children.

“It should remind us of the services that some people provide for the community and which we can take for granted. I offer both families my sympathy and prayers,” he said.

A garda investigation will continue today.

An 18-year-old motorist from North Kerry, arrested at the scene on suspicion of drink driving, was released from custody after nearly 10 hours. Gardaí said a file was being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Last night, post-mortem examinations on both men were carried out in Portlaoise General Hospital by assistant state pathologist, Dr Michael Curtis.

A spokesman for the Mid-Western Health Service Executive said a number of post-mortems had been scheduled to go ahead in the Mid-Western Regional Hospital yesterday but had to be rearranged for Portlaoise.

Garda technical experts yesterday examined the 1994, Kerry-registered Audi Coupe involved in the double fatality.

The N69 was closed off to traffic for about 10 hours, with major diversion in place.

Garda Kelleher and Mr Liston died instantly.

They had been tasked to the scene of a single vehicle accident, near Fennessy’s thatch pub on the Foynes-Askeaton road, at around 5.40am.

A garda spokesman said the men were close to completing their work when the tragedy occurred.

He said: “They had been at the scene for about an hour and were ready to finish up. They were getting the car involved in the earlier accident on to a low loader. Another car came on the scene and crashed into them.”

Fr John Mockler, a curate in Foynes, anointed both bodies before they were removed from the scene.

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, along with the Minister for Defence, Willie O’Dea, extended the sympathy of the Government to both bereaved families.

Mr O’Dea said: “Their deaths remind us of the risks taken by the emergency services every day on our behalf, services which can be called on at any time, day or night.

“The fact that these men were out serving the community makes it doubly tragic.”

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced later today.