Funeral details announced for Limerick teenager killed in Listowel hit-and-run

Rory O’Connor had celebrated his 17th birthday the day before he was struck by a van in Listowel

Funeral details confirmed for 17-year-old Rory O’Connor killed in Listowel collision. Picture: Rip.ie

Funeral details have been announced for a Limerick teenager who was killed in a hit-and-run collision in Listowel hours after turning 17.

Rory O’Connor tragically died on Saturday after being struck by a van while walking at the N69, Dromin Upper, Listowel, Co Kerry.

From Athea, Rory had celebrated his 17th birthday the day before his death. He was a fifth-year student at Coláiste Íde agus Iosef in Abbeyfeale.

Rory’s funeral will arrive at St Bartholomew’s Church on Thursday at 10.45am, where the Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 11am. Interment will take place afterwards at Holycross Cemetery, Athea.

His father, Patrick O’Connor, wrote “Love you always Rory” beneath a photograph of his son posted on social media.

Tributes paid to Rory

Templeglantine GAA wrote in tribute: “On behalf of Templeglantine GAA and Bord na nÓg, we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Rory O’Connor, Athea, who passed away tragically over the weekend.

“Everyone in the club is deeply saddened by Rory’s untimely passing, particularly his many friends in Templeglantine who had the privilege of going to school with him and sharing so many memories together.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Rory’s family, friends and all who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time. May Rory rest in peace.” Alongside a video of a young Rory reciting a poem, Athea Community Council said the community has been “deeply saddened and left numb” upon hearing the news of his tragic death.

“We remember Rory fondly from when he kindly read a poem at the retirement event for our local doctor, Dr Kieran Murphy, in 2022. It was a lovely act of kindness and community spirit that has stayed with us.

“Rory was one of our young people, and his loss has left the whole community heartbroken. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this devastating time. As a community, we will stand together in remembering Rory and supporting those closest to him. Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam,” they wrote.

Man charged over teenager’s death

A 37-year-old man named Alan Browne, with a Birmingham address, was brought before Cork District Court on Monday, charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Rory O’Connor.

Four charges were brought against the accused, who was remanded in custody until Thursday, October 1, at Listowel District Court.