News

Bellaghy lorry driver dies in Co Westmeath

The accident happened between Mullingar and Devlin in the town of Williamstown, Co Westmeath 
The accident happened between Mullingar and Devlin in the town of Williamstown, Co Westmeath  The accident happened between Mullingar and Devlin in the town of Williamstown, Co Westmeath 

A LORRY driver who died in a one-vehicle accident in Co Westmeath on Thursday has been named as Damien Moore, a father-of-three from Bellaghy, Co Derry.

Mr Moore (45) had worked as a lorry driver for several years but is believed to have only started long-distance driving around four years ago.

Sinn Féin councillor Darren Totten, who knew Mr Moore personally, paid tribute to a "hard-working family man" who would be desperately missed by wife Olivia and children Cliodhan, Phelim and Dara.

"My sympathies are with the family, especially Olivia and the children at this very sad time,"

Mr Totten said. "Damien was a keen card player and a great character. He was a family man and will be sorely missed."

SDLP councillor Martin Kearney said the tragedy had added poignancy as Mr Moore's son Phelim had been due to receive a GCSE award at St Mary's College, Clady, on the day his father died.

"What should have been a day of celebration for the family turned into a family tragedy and my thoughts at this time are with Olivia and the children," Mr Kearney said.

"As chairman of the board of governors at St Mary's I know the school family is heartbroken to hear of this news and the Moore family is in everyone's prayers."

The accident happened between Mullingar and Devlin in the town of Williamstown on Thursday afternoon after Mr Moore's lorry is believed to have topped over.