Northern Ireland

A1 crash death: Karl Heaney was 'a dedicated Gael who touched the lives of many'

Karl Heaney (27) from the Warrenpoint area who was killed in the A1 crash on Wednesday 
Karl Heaney (27) from the Warrenpoint area who was killed in the A1 crash on Wednesday  Karl Heaney (27) from the Warrenpoint area who was killed in the A1 crash on Wednesday 

THE man who died after a two car crash on the A1 dual carriageway "touched the lives of many", an MLA said.

Karl Heaney (27) from the Warrenpoint area died after his car collided with another vehicle on the A1 between Banbridge and Dromore at around 11.30pm on Wednesday.

Newry & Armagh Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy expressed his sadness at the death of Mr Heaney who he said was "a dedicated Gael" and a senior player for Newry Mitchels GFC.

"He was a young man who touched the lives of many. The local community are stunned and shocked at this news," Mr Murphy said.

"It is a terrible tragedy and I want to pass on my condolences to his family. All our thoughts and prayers are with them at this devastating time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

The PSNI confirmed that Mr Heaney was the driver of a silver Ford Fusion car which was in a collision with a black Kia Ceed close to the junction of the Halfway Road.

The male driver (32) of the Kia Ceed was arrested on suspicion of motoring charges.

A female driver (30) of a third car, a red Kia Rio, was also arrested on suspicion of motoring offences.

Both are in police custody.

The A1 carriageway has since been reopened to traffic.

Police have appealed for anyone who was travelling on the A1 last night and who witnessed the collision or anyone who observed a black Kia Ceed or Red Kia Rio travelling on the A1 to contact officers in Lurgan or the Collision Investigation Unit on 101 quoting reference 1643 23/05/18.