Probe continues as Kerry hit-and-run victim laid to rest

THERE were touching scenes, yesterday, at the funeral of a 51-year-old man who died in a hit-and-run accident, outside Killorglin, Co Kerry, on Friday night.

Mourners filling St James’ Church, in Killorglin, heard a priest describe Niall Collins as a loyal, kind, gentle and fun-loving husband.

Supt Michael O’Donovan, meanwhile, confirmed investigations are continuing into the accident.

The late Mr Collins, who lived at Abbeylands, Milltown, Co Kerry, but was a native of the Aghadoe area, Killarney, was struck by a car on the main road near Killorglin Golf Club where he had played golf on Friday afternoon. The accident occurred at 8.30pm in a built-up area about 2km outside Killorglin, on the road to Milltown.

The driver failed to stop and gardaí have appealed for witnesses.

In a homily during the funeral Mass, Fr Liam O’Brien told how when sudden death came to a person taken long before their time, the word shock summed up all the emotions. He said Niall and his wife, Annemarie, had married and lived in England for a short while, but had returned home to Abbeylands.

Annemarie had been “the love of his life” and the couple were married for over 21 years, said Fr O’Brien, curate in Killorglin parish.

Niall’s great pastime was golf and he loved machinery, and his nephews and nieces.

A guard of honour was provided by members of Killorglin Golf Club and Mr Collins, a painter and house decorator, was buried at Ardmoniel cemetery, just outside the town.

Supt O’Donovan, meanwhile, has asked all motorists who passed the scene of the accident between 8.15pm, and 8.30pm on Friday, to contact gardaí.