'Gentle' man (21) killed in Limerick road crash to be laid to rest on Tuesday

David Raleigh

A 21-year-old man, who was one of three people killed on Irish roads last week, is to be laid to rest in his native Rathkeale, Co Limerick, on Tuesday.

Sammy McInerney, of Pepperd Lane, Rathkeale, died at the scene of a two-car collision at Templeglantine, west Limerick, last Thursday.

Sharing their tributes and grief online, friends said Mr McInerney would always be remembered as “forever 21”.

Mr McInerney was driving a car carrying three youths, including a 16-year old girl, who was seriously injured when the car was involved in a collision with another car carrying a man and woman.

The dead man is survived by his parents Lizzy and Paddy, brother Paddy and sister Josceline.

Mr McInerney’s remains will be reposing at Thompson’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street, Limerick Coty, on Monday, December 22nd, from 1pm-3pm followed by removal to St Mary’s Church, Rathkeale.

Requiem Mass will take place on Tuesday, December 23rd, at 11:30am, followed by burial in St Joseph’s Cemetery, Rathkeale.

Condolences posted online included a tribute from Mr McInerney’s cousin, Stacey McCarthy, who said: “May you rest in peace my beautiful cousin we will all miss you forever.”

An anonymous tribute posted by “Limerick mum” read: “Terrible tragedy, what a lovely handsome young man, taken too soon, may god give ye the strength to get through this heartbreaking time, my thoughts and prayers are with ye all at this devastating time, spread your wings and fly high may you rest in perfect peace x.”

Friends from Rathkeale wrote: “Rest in peace Sammy, forever 21, may his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.”

Francesca McCarthy also paid tribute: “RIP Sammy Mac taken way to soon forever 21 please give your family strength.

Local teacher, Aisling Brown, St Joseph’s Boys national school, Rathkeale, where Mr McInerney had attended, stated: “Deepest sympathies…fond memories of Sammy in school, thinking of all his family, friends and girlfriend at this difficult time. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

Appealing for witnesses, gardaí said: “Any road users, who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were traveling on the N21 between Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West between midnight and 1am, December 18th, are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Newcastle West Garda Station on 069 206 50, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.