Family pleads with hit-and-run driver to come forward

The family of a hit-and-run victim yesterday renewed an emotional plea to the driver of the vehicle involved to come forward.

Gardaí are still trying to trace a charcoal grey Toyota Land Cruiser they believe may have been involved in the incident in which Paud O’Leary, 42, in Co Kerry, was killed on the morning of Sunday Jul 1. Gardaí believe the accident occurred between 5am-8am.

Seán Óg O’Leary, a brother of the father- of-four, said it would help to ease the family’s grief if the driver came forward.

“Paud has been buried and will not come back. All we’ve left now is for the driver to make himself, or herself, known to the gardaí,” he said.

“Someone, somewhere, must have information that could help the gardaí and we’re pleading with them to make it known. All this delay is prolonging the agony, especially for Paud’s wife Maggie and children, and for our parents.

“We want to know what exactly happened and how long Paud was at the scene before he was found. If we knew things like that, it would bring some peace to the family and would make a huge difference to us,” he added.

Paud O’Leary, a school caretaker and farmer, died instantly after being knocked down as he cycled on the main Gneeveguilla to Killarney road, in the townland of Scrahanfadda.

He had been preparing for the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle, in which he participated 11 times, and the accident took place less than 2km from his home at Leam.

Seán Óg took his late brother’s place in the cycle, last Saturday, accompanied by Paud’s friend, Paudie Keane, of Gneeveguilla. On their way to Killarney for the cycle, they stopped and said a prayer at the scene of the accident, where bunches of flowers have been placed.

A minute’s silence was observed at the start of the cycle, as a mark of respect.

Investigating gardaí believe the vehicle in the accident sustained damage to the front right-hand side, which should be visible on the bumper, lights or wing. They have also been checking with people in the motor trade who may have been approached for parts, or repairs, for a vehicle that may have been involved.

* Anyone with information is asked to contact the gardaí in Kanturk, Co Cork, on 029-20680.