Shock at death of boy, 2, in driveway accident

Family and friends were attempting to support and comfort the parents of a two-year-old boy who died following an accident in the driveway of his home

Tomás O’Connor had been playing at the family house at Derrydonnell, near Oranmore, Co Galway, at about 7pm on Monday, when the tragedy occurred.

It is understood one of his parents was driving and accidentally struck the boy.

Tomás was taken to University College Hospital in Galway where he was later pronounced dead.

Gardaí confirmed that they were treating the incident as a tragic accident.

Tomás was son of John O’Connor and Maeve Ní Fhlaithearta. Ms Ní Fhlaithearta is vice-principal of Gaelscoil Riada in Athenry.

Local councillor Frank Kearney said everyone in the area was left numbed.

“It’s just horrific. There are no words, there is nothing you can say that will ease the pain for the family at a time like this. Everybody is thinking of them and praying for them.

“It is so terrible for them all, such a huge loss in the worst of circumstances.

“I suppose it sadly reminds us all that where young children are involved you can never be too careful, because anything can go wrong at a particular time.”