Irishman killed days after Thai wedding

A CLARE barman and father of two has been killed just days after his dream wedding in Thailand.

Stuart Merrigan, 30, died after the scooter he was riding was in a collision with a truck in the town of U-Thong in the province of Suphanburi on January 9.

His parents, Margaret and Sam Merrigan of Aidan Park, Shannon, attended their son’s wedding in Thailand on December 28.

They and other members of the family have returned to Thailand to bring home his ashes.

A ceremony in his honour took place in Thailand on Monday.

Fr Tom Ryan, parish priest of Shannon, said the Merrigan family’s life had been turned upside down by the tragedy.

He said: “They went from being very happy and content to this tragedy. It’s a very sad story, especially at the start of the new year. Stuart’s death has shocked and saddened his family and friends, more so as he was just married to Kae.”

Previously Stuart worked as a barman in the Oakwood Arms Hotel in Shannon, the Millbar in Annacotty and at Roadstone in Bunratty.

His ashes will be brought back for a funeral Mass at the church of St Peter and Paul in Shannon on Saturday, January 24.

Stuart is survived by his wife Kae, two children Benjamin and Andanam; parents, Margaret and Sam; sister Linda and brothers, Derrick, Brian, David and John.