Heartbreak at loss of Stephen Byrne (21)
YOUNG MAN KILLED IN EARLY MORNING COLLISION ON THE BALLYCANEW ROAD
THERE were scenes of heartbreak yesterday, Monday, as 21-year-old Stephen Byrne from Court, Monamolin, was laid to rest.
The former student at Coláiste an Átha, Kilmuckridge, and Waterford IT, was the sole occupant in a car which collided with a truck at around 5.25 a.m. on Thursday morning on the Ballycanew to Wexford Road.
The crash occurred close to a bend one mile on the Wexford side of Ballycanew. Emergency services were alerted and the young man was pronounced dead at the scene. He was then removed to Wexford General Hospital.
The 29-year-old driver of the truck, which was travelling with another truck, was shaken but unhurt in the collision. There were no passengers in either vehicle.
The road remained sealed off until 3 p.m. on Thursday, while garda forensic investigators examined the scene. Local diversions were put in place.
Gardaí have also spoken to witnesses as part of their enquiry.
Mr Byrne’s death has devastated his family and friends.
His local GAA club, Buffers Alley in Monamolin this week paid tribute to him, saying all at the club were saddened to learn of his passing.
‘Stephen Byrne played underage hurling and football with the club from U8 right up to minor a couple of years ago and progressed on to the Junior A hurling team,’ said a spokesperson for the club.
‘Stephen was a very personable and popular player with all his colleagues and will be sorely missed by everyone,’ she said. ‘All in Buffers Alley express their sympathies to his parents John and Lilly, his brother Damien and extended family. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.’
Stephen Byrne is survived by his grieving parents John and Lilly and his beloved brother Damien, as well as his aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, friends and neighbours.
His removal took place from Floods Funeral Home in Gorey yesterday, Monday, at 1.15 p.m. to St Moling’s Church, Monamolin.
His Funeral Mass was held at 2 p.m., and he was laid to rest afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
May he rest in peace.