‘True character’ was celebrating bingo win

BINGO-MAD farmer Hugh Friel was celebrating a €65 bingo win on the night he died in the biggest car crash the state has ever seen.

The pensioner from Clonmany, Co Donegal, was “over the moon” with his one-line win at Buncrana bingo club around an hour before his Toyota Corolla was involved in the devastating crash that claimed his life and seven young friends from Donegal.

Bingo caller Danny Henderson said the win “left a big smile” on Hughey’s face — and everyone was still “horrified and stunned” at the loss of a “true character” who was so mad about getting a full house, he showed up with pals sometimes twice a week.