Musician dies from injuries days after car strikes pole in West Cork

A musician aged in his 30s has died after an accident where he was found in the passenger seat of a car in West Cork last weekend.

Detectives are asking for help from the public after Taidhg Burke from Bantry, was found in Bridge St in the town at about 4am on Sunday. Gardaí found him lying on the back seat in a white BMW that had smashed into a pole.

His mother Sandie last night said: “Everyone please, please take a lesson from this tragedy, stay safe on the roads, wear a seat belt, and please try to make the right decision when driving at all times.”

Mr Burke was a bass player in local blues and folk band The Calvinists. Members and fans paid tribute to him, describing him as their “friend and brother”.

“Taidhg was so loved by everyone who knew him. He was a fantastic songwriter, bass player, performer, and friend. Taidhg’s family and the band would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for their support in this extremely difficult time. Taidhg will be in our hearts forever and words can’t even express how much we will miss him,” said spokeswoman Andrea Willoughby.

Mr Burke was taken to Bantry General Hospital on Sunday and was on life support until yesterday.

Witnesses are asked to contact Bantry Garda station on 027 20860.