Boy, 12, killed in Mayo train crash named locally as Eoin Doyle
12-year old Eoin Doyle died following the accident near Ballyhaunis
A 12-year-old boy was returning from GAA training with his father when the car they were travelling in was struck by a train at a level crossing in Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, on Thursday evening.
He has been named locally as Eoin Doyle.
His father, Declan Doyle, had just dropped another boy home from training before the collision at Kiltybo level crossing, shortly after 8.45pm.
The 12-year-old, who was local to the area and had been training with St Jarlath’s GAA club, was pronounced dead at the scene.
His father, who is in his late 40s, remains in hospital today with injuries that are not life-threatening.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Ballyhaunis community, with his family widely respected in the area and well known in GAA circles.
Locals have been coming to St Patrick’s Parish Church in Ballyhaunis today to light candles and mourn the boy, as the community rallies around his family.
Parish priest Father Stephen Farragher said the local community was in shock but was pulling together to support the family at this tragic time.
"There were a lot of extra people at mass today," Fr Farragher said.
"And you could just see, particularly on mothers' and grandmothers' faces, that look of sadness. Because this is every parent's nightmare.
"But the family will be carried along by the community, by people who are praying for them, and by the GAA.
"Even people who don't have much faith find themselves gravitating towards the church at a time like this just simply to light a candle, maybe, and say a prayer.
"People can feel helpless. But when they come together, even just to chat to each other, that's therapeutic as well, just being able to talk. And that's the way you come to terms with a terrible tragedy such as this."
The boy had celebrated the Sam Maguire Cup being brought to Ballyhaunis last week with his family following Mayo’s historic All-Ireland Senior Football Championship victory.
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Ballyhaunis GAA and LGFA Club said that “all club activities, training sessions, and matches are suspended until further notice as our members and wider community come to terms with the tragic loss of life last night.” “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted during this incredibly difficult time."
The club said that it would make an official statement with details on supports that will be available for club members shortly.
Gardaí are appealing for information following the fatal collision between the train and car.
The collision took place at a level crossing in Kiltybo, near Ballyhaunis.
The crossing is unmanned and has a gate which must be opened manually. It is not a widely used road.
Visibility was poor in the area on Thursday evening, with heavy mist reported at the time.
All passengers on the train safely disembarked and onward transport was arranged.
A technical examination of the scene will be carried out by Forensic Collision Investigators. The road remains closed following the collision.
The Coroner has been notified and the deceased has been removed to the mortuary at Mayo University Hospital, where a post-mortem examination will be arranged.
Road users and pedestrians with camera footage, including dashcam footage, who were in the area of Kiltybo, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, on Thursday, September 3, between 8.15pm and 9.15pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.
Road safety minister Seán Canney paid tribute to the deceased and said a safety report was being carried out in the wake of the collision.
“I want to, on behalf of myself and the department, extend my deepest sympathies to the families affected by this horrific collision,” Mr Canney said on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland.
“Our thoughts and our prayers are with them at this time, and also with the drivers of the trains and their families.” Transport minister Darragh O’Brien described the incident as “awful news”.
“Obviously, my thoughts and deepest sympathies go to that family, the loss of a young 12-year-old boy, it’s an absolute tragedy,” he said.
“A full investigation is taking place right now, both through An Garda Síochána and our rail safety investigators as well.” He said both the boy’s death and the second incident would be investigated.
“We have a very good safety record here in Ireland, notwithstanding what has just happened yesterday,” he said.
“Any incident, regardless how serious or how minor, is investigated in great detail.
“We have expert people to do that in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, and that will be done as a matter of priority.
“But it is extremely rare, and to have two incidents on the one line in one day, I can’t recall that before.
“As I said, our thoughts are really with the family and this terrible loss for them.”
The fatal collision was the second incident on the Westport-Dublin rail line on Thursday. A train had previously struck a tractor at a level crossing between Portarlington and Tullamore.
“Two accidents, incidents in the one evening, it's frightening to think that this can happen, and hopefully we will see what caused these accidents, so that if there's anything we can do to prevent them into the future, rail is a very safe mode of transport, and these incidents are very rare, but they are very tragic.”
The line between Westport and Athlone is due to remain closed until further notice.
Replacement bus transfers have been organised for commuters, while the Ballina to Manulla services will operate through to Claremorris.
In a post on social media platform X, Iarnród Éireann said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by today’s incidents.
“We’ll continue to do our best to provide clear and timely updates as info becomes available.
“A sincere thank you to all passengers/staff for your patience, understanding and cooperation during this challenging day.”
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