'A true gentleman': Man, 50s, killed in West Cork crash named locally 

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a fatal single vehicle crash in Clonakilty, in which a man in his 50s died during the early hours of this morning.

The man, who is being named locally as Marco Da Costa, worked in a bar in the town.

He was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The single vehicle incident happened on the N71 in Clonakilty town, at Faxbridge (Scally’s SuperValu) Roundabout, at around approximately 12:15am.

His body was removed to Cork University Hospital, where a postmortem examination was due to take place.

The road was closed for a time with local diversions in place, but reopened this afternoon.

Mr Da Costa worked at the Courtyard Bar in Clonakilty.

In a statement on Facebook, the Courtyard Bar Clon said: “This [Tuesday] morning, we received the tragic news that our friend and work colleague Marco Da Costa was involved in a fatal car accident. We are devastated by this news.

“Marco started work at the Courtyard last year and made many friends along the way with his charming personality.

“Our sympathies go out to Marco’s work colleagues, friends, and family — especially his little girl Stella and his great friends Lynne and Rob.”

The bar added that Mr Da Costa was a “true gentleman” and that they will miss him dearly.

Local councillor Daniel Sexton said the fatality marked a “sad time” for Clonakilty, saying his thoughts and prayers were with victim’s family and friends.

“It [the road traffic collision] was right at the roundabout in the middle of Clonakilty.

“The town is in shock.

“It is just something you would not expect in that position in that part of town,” the Independent Ireland councillor told The Echo.

Meanwhile, Independent West Cork councillor Finbarr Harrington said: “It is a sad day for Clonakilty. A lot of people knew him from his work and stuff.

“He had a lot of friends around Clon.

“So, it is a deep shock and a deep sadness to the area. I just feel terrible for his family. It is really sad for the man’s family, friends, work colleagues and for the wider Clon community.”

Gardaí have appealed to anyone who witnessed the crash or has any relevant information to contact Clonakilty Garda Station on 023 882 1570, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any other garda station. 

Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, who were travelling in the area between 12am and 12:30am today are asked to make this footage available to gardaí.