Probe into death of garda and firefighter nears end

THE GARDA investigation into the incident in which a garda and a firefighter lost their lives while attending a traffic accident in west Limerick is nearing completion.

Garda Brian Kelleher and firefighter, Mike Liston died instantly when a car driven by a teenager ploughed into them.

The accident happened in the early hours of February 25 on a stretch of road between Foynes and Askeaton.

Supt Joe Roe, Askeaton, who is heading the investigation said yesterday: “We are still working on the file and it is nearing completion. It is a very extensive investigation.”

When the file is completed it will be forwarded to the DPP who will decide what action is to be taken regards prosecutions.

After the 18-year-old driver was taken to Henry Street Garda station in Limerick an intoxalyser breath test showed he was over the legal limit.

The youth is from the Ballylongford area of North Kerry and reports at the time indicated he and another youth were on their way to a party in Limerick having been socialising in Listowel earlier in the night.

Garda Kelleher who lived in Dromin was stationed in Croom and was filling in for a colleague who was on holiday.

Mike Liston was a part- time member of the Co Limerick fire service and lived in Foynes.

Both were called to a single vehicle accident near Robertstown church in which a woman received minor injuries.

The injured woman had been placed in an ambulance and members of the emergency services had completed placing her damaged car on a loader when a car rounded a bend and struck Garda Kelleher and Mr Liston.

Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Garda Kelleher and Mr Liston were both married with families.

Thousands attended the funerals of each men, which were held on February 28 at Foynes and Dromin.

The youth arrested at the scene was released later the day of the accident without charge.