Family and friends were yesterday attempting to support and comfort the parents of a two-year-old boy who lost his life following an incident in the driveway of his home.
Tomas O'Connor had been playing at the family house at Derrydonnell, near Oranmore, Co Galway, at about 7pm on Monday when he was hit by a car in the driveway.
An ambulance was immediately summoned, and Tomas was taken to University College Hospital in Galway, where he was later pronounced dead.
Gardaí declined to comment on the circumstances of the incident, but confirmed they were treating it as a tragic accident.
Tomas was the son of John O’Connor and Maeve Ni Fhlaithearta. Ms Ni Fhlaithearta is vice-principal of Gaelscoil Riada in nearby Athenry.
Tragedy
Local councillor for Athenry and Oranmore Frank Kearney said the incident had left everyone in the area numb.
“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,” he said.
“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,” Mr Kearney said.