Renewed Garda appeal as Declan is laid to rest
THE COMMUNITY of Arklow will gather in mourning today to bid a sad farewell to Declan Kelly, the Arklow man who was tragically killed in a hit and run on the June bank holiday weekend.
Funeral mass for Mr Kelly will take place this morning at the Church of SS Mary and Peter, Arklow followed by burial in St Gabriel’s Cemetery.
The office of the State Pathologist concluded their examinations over the weekend and the body of Mr Kelly was returned to his family who can now finally lay him to rest.
Mr Kelly is survived by his father Peter and siblings Pearse and Maighréad, nieces and nephews and will be sadly mourned by his family and friends. He was predeceased by his mother Betty and brother Colm.
Meanwhile, the death is the subject of a Garda criminal investigation and Arklow Gardaí renewed their appeal for information in recent days.
They are keen to speak to anyone who was in the Coolgreany Road, Ballyduff Road, also known as Johnstown Road, area of Arklow between the hours of 1.30 a.m. and 2.30 a.m. on Monday, June 5.
Speaking at Arklow Garda Station, Inspector Ronan Lawlor said ‘This collision occurred on a wet night in the earlier hours of a bank holiday Monday. We would like to speak to anyone who was near Coolgreany Road in the vicinity of St Saviour’s Church, Ballyraine Bridge or Ballyduff Road which is the M11 underpass. We would particularly like to speak to anyone who may have a dash cam on their vehicle’.
The body of local cattle hoof trimmer Mr Kelly was discovered on the Coolgreany Road in Arklow after 2.20 a.m. but gardaí are still investigating whether it was at this location where the fatal collision occurred.
Anyone who may have information can contact Arklow Garda Station at 0402 26320, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666111 or any Garda Station.