Hunt for car driver involved in hit-and-run

Gardaí in Galway have stepped up efforts to trace the driver of a car involved in a fatal hit and run.

John White, aged 66, was knocked off his bicycle as he cycled on the outskirts of Loughrea at 8.40pm on Wednesday. He was rushed to University College Hospital in Galway, but pronounced dead in the early hours of yesterday morning.

A blue BMW with a partial registration of 01G, thought to have been involved in the collision, left the scene and travelled in the direction of Gort.

Gardaí believe the bonnet of the car will bear the marks of a collision, while it is also believed to have a damaged rear light.

Superintendent Enda Walshe yesterday appealed to the anyone with information to contact gardaí.

Detectives were yesterday examining CCTV footage and conducting door to door enquiries.

Mr White lived at St Laurence’s Field, Loughrea. He had been a regular service user at the day centre in St Brendan’s Hospital for the last eight years. Administrator Bernie Austin said he would be greatly missed. “We are all very upset at the news of John’s tragic death. We have lost a great friend.”