'His personality lit up the room': Tributes paid following the death of 19-year-old in Cork

Tributes have been paid to a young Cork man who died last week after being struck by a car.

The 19-year-old, named locally as Conor Coleman, was involved in the fatal incident that occurred in Little Island at approximately 11.50pm on Friday.

Following reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle, gardaí attended the scene.

Mr Coleman was taken from the scene to Cork University Hospital, where he was later declared dead.

Speaking to The Echo, Fianna Fáil councillor for the Carrigaline area, Audrey Buckley said the loss of someone so young is felt “profoundly by all”.

“When it emerged over the weekend that the young man was from the Carrigaline area, it brought a deep sense of shock and sadness to the community,” said Ms Buckley.

“At just 19, he had his whole life ahead of him, which makes this tragedy all the more difficult to comprehend and accept.

“It is with deepest sadness that we acknowledge this loss, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.” 

Fine Gael councillor for the Carrigaline area, Jack White also offered his condolences to the friends and family members of Mr Coleman.

“As a local councillor, knowing the family somewhat, I offer my sincere condolences to Barry, Trish and Conor’s brother, John, on a very tragic and sad loss of their son and brother,” said Mr White.

“I know many of us here in the community in Carrigaline are shocked by the sudden nature of his death and the grief that comes with it.

“Tragic incidents like this are something that none of us ever want to see, but I want to offer my condolences and the condolences of the community to the family at this time.” 

Sympathies to the family have also been shared online via a digital condolences book, where parents of students attending Christian Brothers College told stories of their interactions with Mr Coleman.

One parent wrote that Conor was “a great rock for so many young people,” and that his physical presence alone gave “such security and reassurance to everyone in his company”.

Another parent said that Conor was “a great friend” to their child, and that “his personality lit up the room."

Additionally, a teacher at Christian Brothers College said that Conor was “a lovely and friendly student”.

Mr Coleman is survived by his parents Barry and Trish, and brother, John, as well as grandparents Betty Coleman, and Tom and Eileen Carty.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.

Gardaí are now appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward after the completion of a forensic examination at the scene.

Road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam footage and were travelling in the area between 11pm and midnight on Friday, April 17, are asked to make this available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mayfield garda station on 021 4558510, the garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.