Brave pensioner who tried to save woman in car park to be laid to rest

Olivia Kelleher

A brave 90-year-old man who was killed after he tried to push a woman out of the way of a vehicle in a car park in Fermoy, Co Cork will be laid to rest on Wednesday.

Father of four and former school principal, Cal O’Keeffe, was pronounced dead in the SuperValu car park on Courthouse Road shortly after 11.15am last Friday.

A woman in her 60s was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

The scene was preserved for a technical examination by forensic collison investigators. Gardaí have issued an appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Mr O’Keeffe lived in Glanworth Road in Ballyhooley, Co Cork. He is survived by his wife Mary and their adult children Marie, John, Martin and Noelle and three of his four siblings.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother John. Mr O’Keeffe is also fondly remembered by his grandchildren, extended family, neighbours and friends.

The pensioner will lie in repose at Ronayne’s funeral home in Fermoy on Tuesday from 6pm to 8pm.

His requiem mass will take place on Wednesday at noon in the Holy Cross Church in Glanworth with burial following in St Dominic’s cemetery.

Meanwhile, gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward. Any pedestrians who were travelling in the area of Courthouse Road, Fermoy, last Friday morning are asked to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in this area last Friday morning are also asked to come forward.

Members of the public with information are asked to contact Fermoy Garda Station at 025 82100, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.