Hit-and-run victim had managed his club to two county titles
Tributes for hurler as garda is suspended after road accident
A MAN who was killed in a fatal hit-and-run on St Patrick’s Day has been remembered as a ‘loved and revered’ member of his community who had a passion for hurling.
Tributes have poured in for Niall McEneaney, 42, who was struck on the Rathmullen Road in Drogheda, Co. Louth, at around 2.30am on Sunday.
He was returning home after socialising with friends when the incident happened.
Emergency services rushed to the scene but the vehicle involved had already left.
Mr McEneaney was pronounced dead a short time later.
An off-duty garda suspected of being involved in the collision has since been suspended, pending an investigation.
Mr McEneaney previously played hurling for Louth and was the manager of St Fechin’s senior hurling team in Termonfeckin.
During his spell as manager, he led the team to win the past two Louth senior hurling championships, as well as the Leinster junior club semi-final in 2022.
In a statement, St Fechin’s GAA extended its condolences to Mr McEneaney’s wife Grace, his parents, family and friends.
The club said: ‘We as a club and in particular the hurling team are all absolutely devastated.
‘Niall was loved and revered by every hurler with whom he worked. His contribution to St Fechin’s hurling was immeasurable.
‘His passion for hurling was infectious and his commitment to hard work and high standards on the field of play was inspirational. He is irreplaceable but his extraordinary legacy will live on.’
Mattock Rangers Camogie Club in Collon added that its members are ‘deeply saddened’ by the sudden and untimely passing of its former coach and manager.
It stated: ‘Niall was a frequent supporter at our games and coached us as recently as a few weeks ago.
‘He inspired many of us as both players and coaches, and will be sadly missed by all. We would like to extend our condolences to Grace and all his family.’ St Nicholas GFC in Drogheda also said the club was ‘shocked and saddened’ by their loss.
It said: ‘Niall was a former player and coach within the club and up until last year was involved with coaching juvenile teams.
‘We would like to offer our sincere condolences to his wife Grace and his family at this extremely difficult time.’
In addition to hurling, Mr McEneaney was also a keen snooker player.
Drogheda Potters Snooker & Pool Hall also paid respects in a statement that read: ‘Such sad news coming in about the death of Niall McEneaney who was a great character around the club which he has been a member of for many years.
‘Such a kind and genuine man who enjoyed his snooker with us on a regular basis.’ The car suspected of being involved in the fatal incident has been tracked down by gardaí and seized for the purpose of a technical and forensic examination.
Its owner was subsequently identified as a Garda member, who was off-duty at the time.
A source said the vehicle was not an official patrol car and that the officer, who is based in the northwest region, has since been suspended from duty.
Investigating officers are now working to determine if the person was driving the car at the time of the collision.
The incident has now been referred to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC). No arrests have been made to date.
A Garda spokesman said: ‘Shortly after 2.30am, gardaí and emergency services were alerted after a pedestrian was found unresponsive on Rathmullen Road, Drogheda.
‘The pedestrian, a male aged in his 40s, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
‘The vehicle involved failed to remain at the location. The scene is currently preserved for examination by Garda Forensic Collision investigators, and local traffic diversions are in place.
‘The local Coroner has been notified and arrangements are under way for a postmortem examination.’
Gardaí in Drogheda are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward. Additionally, anyone with camera footage, including motorists with dashcam, from the area at the time are asked to provide it to investigating gardaí.
GSOC has also appealed for witnesses to contact them.
A spokesman said: ‘GSOC would like to speak to any witnesses who observed any incident, activity or interactions at this time and location.
‘GSOC would also welcome the provision of any CCTV, dashcam or mobile footage witnesses may have captured.’
Anyone with information regarding the collision in Drogheda is urged to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
‘Such a kind and genuine man’
‘Vehicle failed to remain at location’