Tributes have been pouring in for a 19-year-old man who died in a horrific crash in Kerry on Sunday, July 24.
He was named locally as Michael Hennessy, an engineering apprentice who died when he crashed his car into a tree in Ballinruddery.
The accident occurred on the R555 road outside the town of Listowel on Sunday at around 2.40pm, according to officers.
It is understood that two other occupants of the car were left with serious injuries and are still receiving treatment in the hospital.
Gardai are continuing to appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact them at Listowel Garda Station – in particular anyone who might have recorded footage of the event on a dashcam.
Gardai and ambulances raced to the site of the crash but Mr. Hennessy was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Both passengers were rushed to University Hospital Kerry for treatment of injuries initially described as serious but non-life-threatening.
Michael was remembered this week as a popular young man who was gifted in everything he took part in from acting to engineering.
Tributes to the 'wonderful' ex-student of Coláiste na Ríochta have been flowing in across social media in the aftermath of the tragedy.
One person wrote: “Susanna, words cannot express how saddened we are to learn of the loss of your beautiful son. Deepest sympathy to you and all your family. May Michael rest in peace.”
A second said: “My deepest sympathies to all Michael’s family. He was always smiling and so caring to everyone. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
Among the hundreds of messages of condolences, a third person added: “Sincerest condolences to Michael's family and friends. Michael was a much loved young man. He was such a special person kind caring and gentle young man.
“Thank you to Michael for being such a great friend to my daughter Saoirse. May you rest in peace.”
A statement from his secondary school Coláiste na Ríochta described the 19-year-old as a gifted student, and wrote: “Michael was a very much-loved and respected student, he became involved in all aspects of school life, he participated in sports, was a member of our Student Council, he was also a wonderful actor and participated in a number of school plays.
“Michael’s main forte was engineering, he was a member of the school robotics team who won the Kerry Vex Robotics Championship in 2019, of which we were very proud,” Principal Iseult Glynn.
She added: “On behalf of Colaiste na Riochta I would like to extend our condolences to Michael’s parents, family and friends, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. I would also like to spare a thought too for the two young people currently in hospital following this accident, may they have a speedy recovery.”
Michael is survived by his mum Susanna, dad Paudie and their partners Mike and Andrea, brothers John, Darragh, and Killian, sisters Hayleigh and Siun, grandmothers Phyll and Rose, grandfather Gussie, uncle Tony, aunt Ellen, and relatives.
His remains will repose at his home in Billeragh from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday while his Funeral Mass will take place at St Mary’s Church at 3:00 pm on Thursday.
READ NEXT:
Man goes from council estate to €470m fortune with artificial intelligence
Mom's warning after disturbing TikTok discovery shows accounts 'watching' children
Irish community left devastated by tragic death of 'precious little boy', 3
Former Fair City star met 'Irish Tinder Swindler' in online dating disaster
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
