Student who was knocked down on NYE ‘bright light’

A TRANSITION Year student who died after being hit by a car on New Year’s Eve was described as a “bright light” yesterday.

Pedestrian Roisin O’donovan, who was named locally, passed away at Cork University Hospital on Tuesday.

The 16-year-old, from Ballincollig, died after she was knocked down on Main Street shortly before 8pm on Monday.

Fianna Fail councillor Daithi O’donnabhain has offered his condolences to the family after their “traumatic 24 to 36 hours”.

He said: “The shock and the grief for that family. A bright light has gone out.

“I understand she was a Transition Year student in Ballincollig Community School who was either going to or from her grandparents.

SHOCK

“Your thoughts go out to the family at this time of heartache. It is dreadful. Our prayers are with the family.”

The driver of the car was uninjured in the incident but was treated for shock and gardai have appealed for witnesses.

Cllr O’donnabhain added: “She was very well regarded, a lovely girl by all accounts. She had great friends, great family and what they’ve felt since New Year’s Eve is unbearable, it’s absolutely heartbreaking.

“To get this news that a lovely young girl had passed in such tragic circumstances is devastating, it really is.

“I can’t imagine what the family are going through at the moment.

“My thoughts, prayers and condolences are with them at this time.”