TRIBUTES TO CHARACTER IORI
Respected man dies after car hit him:
FRIENDS of a well-known ‘gentle giant’ who was killed outside a Bangor nightclub came together to hold a memorial football match over the weekend.
Father-of-two Eskinumo Ayabowei, nicknamed ‘Romeo’, was found unconscious close to Peep in Bangor following reports of an assault in the early hours of April 1. The 27-year-old amateur footballer died in hospital the following day.
On Saturday, some of his former work colleagues from the Department of Work and Pensions’ Bangor office were the latest to come together to help his young family.
Almost £14,000 has already been raised for a special fund set up in his memory, for the benefit of his partner, Melicia, and two daughters.
Speaking after the match, which took place in Llanfairpwll, match referee Peter Kewley said: “It was a very competitve game, finished 8-6 to the red team.
“There will be some stiff legs at work on Monday, but we all have fond memories of our colleague, Henry.
“It was a great day all round.”
Known as Henry Esin to loved ones, and Romeo to team-mates, the week after his death saw some of his former football clubs, including Llangefni, Llanfairpwll and Trearddur Bay, donate part of their gate receipts to the fund.
A family fun day and five-a-side competition was also held in Gaerwen last month.
Kieren Terence Roberts, 26, of Penrhyn Avenue, Maesgeirchen, near Bangor, will go on trial in October accused of Mr Ayabowei’s murder. A FAMILY has paid tribute to a “lovi ing father and grandfather” who was killed in a road traffic accident in Holyhead a fortnight ago.
Edward John Hughes, 92, was s struck by a black Vauxhall Insignia a at around 12.25pm at the junction of Wian Street and London Road in the town, on Saturday June 3.
The retired engine driver and g grandfather suffered a broken collar b bone, a cracked rib, an injured liver, a damaged pelvis and hip.
He was taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor by ambulance, where he was described as being in a lifethreatening condition then trans- ferred to the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
North Wales Police confirmed that Mr Hughes had died 10 days later and they have renewed their appeal for witnesses to the incident.
A statement on behalf of the family was released on Saturday evening.
It said: “The family of 92-year-old Edward John Hughes, known locally as ‘Iori’ would like to thank everyone who have been supportive of them throughout this sad period after his death, following a road traffic collision which occurred in Wian street, Holyhead on Saturday 3rd June.
“He was a loving father and grandfather to Keith, Colin, Mark and Vaughan.
“Iori was a popular local character who was well known by members of the community of Holyhead.
“He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.”
Police are urging anyone with information about the accident to contact them on 101, quoting reference number V081018.