Teenager named locally after fatal tractor incident at Beaufort Bridge near Killarney

Michael Coffey, 14, was on a fishing outing with his father and friends when the tragic incident occurred

Michael Coffey was with a group of others, including teenagers, and his father, fishing at the bridge over the River Laune. Picture: Facebook

The pedestrian who was killed in a fatal incident involving a tractor at Beaufort Bridge, outside Killarney on Monday evening, has been named locally as 14-year-old Michael Coffey.

The incident occurred at Beaufort Bridge at approximately 7.30pm, gardaí said.

Mr Coffey was with a group of others, including teenagers, and his father, fishing at the bridge over the River Laune, a popular angling spot just off the main Killarney to Killorglin Ring of Kerry road.

The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was removed to University Hospital Kerry, where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course. 

The male driver of the tractor (aged in his 20s) was uninjured.

Originally from Tralee, where he attended school, the family are living temporarily in St Michael’s, in Killarney, off the N22.

Local councillor Martin Grady, who knows the family, said his heart went out to all those affected, including the driver of the tractor.

“Your heart goes out to all parties,” the independent Killarney councillor said.

His death marks the second young life lost in a short space of time on the roads, the councillor said.

“It was such an innocent activity, enjoying the fine evening, making the most of the fine evening, on a father and son outing with friends,” Mr Grady said.

He is organising a memorial for the teenager this evening.

The road was closed last night for a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, with local diversions in place. Picture: James Treacy

The road was closed last night for a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, with local diversions in place.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.

Gardaí are also appealing for any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and who were travelling in the area of Beaufort Bridge, Co. Kerry, between 7pm and 7.45pm. on Monday, 7 April 2025, to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Mr Coffey is the 43rd person and the 10th pedestrian to be killed on Irish roads so far in 2025.

His death comes after a young girl, who also died after being hit by a truck while cycling on the outskirts of Galway city on Saturday, was named locally as six-year-old Ula Grigaityte.

Ula was a Senior Infants pupil at Scoil Róis Primary School in Salthill, where staff and classmates are mourning her loss.

School principal Michele McCarra described the incident as a "terrible tragedy" for both Ula’s family and the wider school community.