Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
MAN IN DEATH CRASH FOLLOWED BY GARDAI
Irish watchdog launches inquiry into tragedy
A WATCHDOG is investigating the death of a Belfast man who died in a smash while reportedly being followed by gardai.
The Garda Ombudsman launched the probe into the tragedy yesterday after it confirmed the van “had come to the attention of officers shortly before it crashed”.
Patrick Joyce, 24, was killed while his mother Mag was critically injured.
Mr Joyce’s 13-year-old brother Richie was also hurt in the collision in Clontarf, North Dublin.
They were in the city for the funeral of Traveller rights campaigner Nan Joyce.
A spokeswoman for the Ombudsman said: “We received a referral from gardai following a road traffic incident at the junction of the Malahide Road and Fairview junction early today.
“The Ombudsman has deployed a team of investigators to examine the circumstances of the referral.”
Friends and family of Mr Joyce posted poignant tributes to the young dad saying they were “shocked” to hear the news.
One wrote: “It’s a sin pray for his family and children and mother she’s in hospital. Xx rip
Patrick.”
Another said “Rip. God give his family strength at this very sad and hard time. Only a young boy. God give him a good bed in heaven.”
Another friend said: “God be good to him, rest in peace. It’s very sad for his poor family, very sorry to hear this very big loss.”
The injured woman was taken to the Mater Hospital while the boy was taken to Temple Street Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Dublin Fire Brigade had a number of units from North Strand and Kilbarrack, including the advanced paramedic attend the scene.
The roads around Fairview remained closed for part of yesterday morning, causing traffic delays.
A Garda spokeswoman said: “Colleagues in Clontarf are investigating a single-vehicle fatal road traffic collision. The Ombudsman has been notified of the incident.”