Man (30s) who died in Co Tipperary collision on ride-on lawnmower named locally

Sarah Slater

A man in his 30s, who died following a crash between a ride-on-lawnmower and a car in Co Tipperary, has been named locally.

Kieran McArdle, who was from Ballypatrick, Clonmel, was killed on Friday night on the N76 at Kilcash Cross at 9.50 pm.

The collision site is just eight kilometers from Clonmel and 11 kilometres from Carrick-on-Suir.

It is understood that Mr McArdle had borrowed the ride-on-lawn mower to cut the grass in a communal area at Kilcash Cross - located just two kilometres from where he lived.

In a cruel twist of fate, the driver of the car, also involved in the fatal collision, is a 20-year-old man who lives close to the deceased man.

Paying tribute to Mr McArdle, Labour councillor Michael Brennan from Carrick-on-Suir said: “The man comes from a lovely family and the entire community in the area is devastated over what has happened. Everyone’s thoughts of course are with everyone affected by the freak incident.”

Fine Gael councillor and Cathaoirleach of Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Mark Fitzgerald added: “This is a very tragic accident for the family of the man who died and for the driver of the car involved.

“My sympathies go absolutely to all the families and friends of the two men. Our prayers are with them all.”

Mr McArdle’s body was removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

There were no other injuries reported at the time of the accident.

David Dunne, Leas Cathaoirleach of Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District continued: “I would like to offer my sympathies to those involved in this tragic event. My thoughts and prayers are with them all.”

The road which was closed for several hours to allow for a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, has since reopened.

Gardaí continue to appeal for witnesses to the incident to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area on the N76 between 9.30 pm and 10.30 pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Clonmel Garda Station on (052) 6177640, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.