Ireland

Father-of-two killed in single-vehicle crash near Derry/Donegal border named as Shaun Kelly (33)

Shaun Kelly (33) died in hospital following a road crash near the Derry/Donegal border
Shaun Kelly (33) died in hospital following a road crash near the Derry/Donegal border Shaun Kelly (33) died in hospital following a road crash near the Derry/Donegal border

A 33-year-old man killed in a single-vehicle crash near the Derry/Donegal border was father-of-two Shaun Kelly.

Mr Kelly, from Lifford in Co Donegal, died at Letterkenny University Hospital following the collision early yesterday.

Gardaí said he was the only occupant of a blue Vauxhall Cavalier which left the road between Porthall and Rossgier and struck a tree shortly before 12.30am on St Stephen's Day.

The road is a main link between Strabane/Lifford and Derry.

A Garda spokesman said: “The injured man was initially treated at the scene by ambulance personnel before he was taken by ambulance to Letterkenny University Hospital in a critical condition. He later passed away from his injuries.”

It is understood Mr Kelly had previously worked on oil rigs overseas.

Donegal county councillor Gerry Crawford said his family are well known and highly respected in the Porthall area of Lifford and the death had cast a shadow over the entire district.

The Fianna Fáil representative added that road tragedies are difficult to accept at any time of the year but are particularly poignant around Christmas.

Mr Kelly’s remains arrived back at his home at Beechwood Grove, Lifford yesterday.

His funeral takes place from his home tomorrow for Requiem Mass at 1.30pm at St Baithin’s Church, St Johnston. He will be buried immediately afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Mr Kelly was the sixth person to die on the roads in Co Donegal in 2019. Gardaí have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.