Tributes paid to man who died after being stuck by car in Fermoy supermarket car park 

An elderly pedestrian who died after being struck by a vehicle in the car park of busy Fermoy supermarket has been named locally as Cal O’Keeffe.

Mr O’Keeffe, a retired school teacher and farmer originally from Glanworth but living at Glanworth Road, Ballyhooly, was struck by the car at around 11.15am in the car park of O’Riordan’s SuperValu on the Courthouse Road on the outskirts of the North Cork town.

Mr O’Keeffe, 90, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A second individual, a woman aged in her 60s, was airlifted to Cork University Hospital to be treated for injuries which are believed to be serious.

It is understood the late Mr O’Keeffe had pushed the woman away from the oncoming vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle, a man in his 90s, was treated at the scene.

The supermarket was closed for a period of time this afternoon to facilitate an investigation of the scene by a garda forensic team.

A number of witnesses were also interviewed at the scene in a bid to establish the circumstances behind the tragic incident.

Tragic

Local county councillor and former Mayor of County Cork, Frank O’Flynn, said Mr O’Keeffe, a father of four, was well known in the area.

“Mr O’Keeffe was a neighbour of mine, a former school principal and a farmer. He is a big loss to the community. It is a very sad and tragic accident, and my prayers and thoughts are with his family at this time,” said Mr O’Flynn.

"For this to happen is just very sad.” 

Mr O’Flynn confirmed that woman who was injured in the incident was also from the locality.

Fermoy area county councillor Deirdre O'Brien said she know Mr O'Keeffe and his family.

"I offer my deepest sympathy to them all. It is tragic for his good long life to end in such a sad manner, “ said Ms O’Brien.

“Thinking of everyone involved here today. No one, would want something like this to ever happen.” 

Mr O’Keeffe, who was a well-liked and respected member of the local community, is survived by his wife Mary and four children Marie, John, Martin and Noelle.

Appeal

Gardaí have appealed for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

“Any pedestrians who were travelling in the environs of Courthouse Road, Fermoy town, between 10.45am and 11.30am on Friday, October 18 are asked to come forward,” said a garda spokesperson.

“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in this area at these times are also asked to come forward.” 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Fermoy Garda Station at 025 82100, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.