Tributes paid to three men killed in separate car collisions in Tipperary
Sarah Slater
Tributes are being paid to three young men who died in two separate crashes in Co Tipperary.
David Lahart (18) from Killenaule and Gediminas Urbonas (21) from Holycross died when the car they were travelling in was in a multi-vehicle collision in Ballinunty, close to Thurles, on Saturday last around 6pm.
Several local events, including the Killenaule Community Play Group raffle and bake sale, Killenaule GAA Bingo, along with the Tipperary GAA County Board Convention and an Under-21 football final, were cancelled as a mark of respect.
Tipperary GAA extended its “heartfelt and sincere sympathies” to the families of those who lost their lives in Tipperary at the weekend. “In particular our thoughts are with County Board Treasurer Eleanor Lahart and her family at this very sad and difficult time.”
Mr Lahart is survived by his parents Paudie Lahart and Ashling Morris and was a nephew of Tipperary GAA County Board Treasurer, Eleanor Lahart.
He is also survived by his siblings Megan, Rachel, Alex, Amber, and Leah, his special nephew Jayden, stepmom Jacinta, grandparents Ned and Christine, aunts, uncles, cousins and a wide circle of friends.
A fundraising campaign has been created to help the family of Mr Lahart’s friend Gediminas Urbonas who also died in the collision to cover his funeral costs.the costs of his funeral.
Mr Urbonas’s older sister Saulena Urbonaite said in her appeal that the family are “extremely heartbroken and are mourning the loss of the most loving soul”.
She continued: “My brother, may you get the best bed in heaven. We love you so much,” she said.
Mr Urbonas who was called ‘Ged’ by his family and friends, is survived by his parents Jolanta and Saulius, aunt Zaneta, cousin Ridas, other members of his loving family and a wide circle of friends.
A third man who died in a separate two car collision close to Clonmel also in Co Tipperary at 1:10am last Sunday was Brazilian man Julio Betin. Mr Bettin, who was in his 30s, was expecting a baby with his wife which is due next week.
Mr Bettin, lived in the Knocklofty area of the county and had only been living in Ireland a short time.
A GoFundMe fundraising campaign has also been set-up for Mr Bettin’s funeral costs.
Guadalupe Garcia, organiser of the fundraiser said: “We are heartbroken to be raising funds for the funeral and urgent expenses of our dear friend Julio Bettin, who tragically passed away in a car accident on Sunday, December 14th.
“Julio leaves behind his wife and children, including a baby he was so excited to welcome, as his wife is due to give birth on December 24th.
"Having only recently arrived from Brazil, Julio was the sole provider for his family, and his sudden passing has left them facing unimaginable grief and financial hardship.”
Investigating gardaí are appealing for anyone to contact them in relation to both of the fatal collisions at Thurles Garda Station on 0504-25100, Clonmel Garda Station on 052 -617 7640, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
