Tributes paid to retired businessman (84) knocked down in Castlerea

Sean Ryan

Tributes are being paid to a well-known businessman who lost his life in a road incident in Co Roscommon on Tuesday.

The man who has been named locally as Tommy Bruen (84) died after he was hit by a car while out walking on the R337 near Castlerea just after 6pm on Monday January 27th.

Mr Bruen was a popular local businessman in the town where he ran a bicycle shop and filling station in Castlerea for many years. Locals said Mr Bruen was also a very talented Gaelic footballer in his day and up to the time of his passing was a member of a number of local groups and clubs.

Paying tribute local councillor Pascal Fitzmaurice (FF) said ‘’this is a very sad time in our community. Tommy was extremely well-known in our town as he owned a businesses here before he retired’’.

Another local described Mr Bruen ‘’as a lovely man to meet and have a chat’’.

Mr Bruen was predeceased by his wife Mary and is survived by his children Dara, Gráinne, Caoilinn and extended family.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on (094) 9621630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.