Tributes have poured in for two men killed in separate road crashes in Tipperary.
A former soldier who was killed in a horror hit-and-run in Tipperary this week has been named locally as Tony Cullen. Tony, who worked for the Defence Forces before his retirement, was just 100 metres from his front door in Clonmore, Co Tipperary when he was struck.
Heartbroken pals have taken to social media in their droves to pay tribute to the beloved Tipp man.
One said: "You were a true gentleman ... you didn't deserve to die like that so close to home you will be truly missed by all in Clonmore and Errill, may heaven be your bed."
Another added: "The village will never be the same. You were such a big part of the village, such a shock to Clonmore.”
And another, Fiona Hickey, said: “I’m heartbroken, I knew him well. Used to cook him Christmas dinner every year. I can’t stop thinking about him.”
Sources have confirmed that Mr Cullen, who was unmarried, had left a pub in the village shortly before the accident happened.
It’s understood Mr Cullen, who was in his 60s, was struck close to his home. The driver failed to stop. An arrest has subsequently been made in relation to this incident.
Locals said they were devastated at the loss of Mr Cullen, who worked as a barman in the area and was well known in the village. He had spent his career in the Defence Forces before retiring more than a decade ago.
A spokesman said: “Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a suspected fatal hit and run road traffic collision that occurred at Clonmore in Templemore, Co Tipperary in the early hours of Monday morning, 21st November 2022.
“Shortly after 1am, Gardaí were alerted to reports of a man (60s) who had been located on the side of the R433 road near Clonmore Village. The man was later pronounced deceased at the scene.
“Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to come forward.
"Any road users who were travelling in the area on Monday morning, 21th November, 2022 between 1am and 1.20am and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make it available to Gardaí.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Thurles Garda Station on 0504 25100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”
Meanwhile, officers in nearby Clonmel are investigating a crash in which a well-known motorcyclist was killed.
Tommy “Chopper” O’Neill was killed when his bike was in collision with a lorry in the Lisronagh area of the town at around 10am yesterday.
Mr O’Neill, who was in his 40s, was a member of the Freewheelers Ireland Motorcycle Club, whose members paid tribute to him yesterday.
The club said in a statement: “It is with great Sadness that we announce the passing of our Brother Tommy O Neill (Chopper Tom)
“Our condolences to his Partner Rosanna and son Jamie and family we all feel your pain
“Rest in peace Tommy.
“Your spirit will live with us Forever.”
Gardai also appealed for witnesses to come forward.
A spokesman said:” Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.
“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on New Road this morning are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
“Gardaí are particularly looking to speak with a number of motorists who may have been present at or driven past this collision to make contact with them.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Clonmel Garda Station on 052 617 7640, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
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