TRIBUTES have poured in across this week for “a kind and gentle soul” who lost his life in a tragic crash this past weekend.
The villages of Croom and Feenagh in West Limerick are still in shock after the tragic passing of a much loved and active member of the community.
James Keogh, of Main Street Croom, formerly of Feenagh, County Limerick, lost his life in a fatal road crash on Sunday last (November 16).
The avid motorcyclist, who took part in a number of charity rallies and was well respected in the local biking community, was killed after his bike crashed with a car on the R519 at Ballykevin, near Kilmeedy.
It’s understood that earlier on Sunday, Mr Keogh had been assisting at the Kilmeedy Vintage Run, as well as attending the month’s mind for close friend John Sheehan, of Granagh, Kilmallock, who lost his life after coming off his motorbike just a month earlier on October 12.
Tributes poured in for the late Mr Keogh across the week, with one mourner posting online that “I’ll always remember his roguish smile and gentle nature”.
Others described him as “a true gent, always a smile and time for a chat, and a great charity man” and “a brilliant mechanic and obliging gentleman”.
James is survived by his wife Siobhan, daughter Rachel, father-in-law Seamus, and a wide extended network of family and friends, including the biking community nationwide.
He will be reposing at O’Grady’s Funeral Home in Ballingarry on Thursday evening 5.30pm to 7pm. Requiem Mass will take place at St Mary’s Church in Croom on Friday at 11.30am, follwed by burial at Reilig Mhuire Cemetery.
Gardaí said the tragic fatal crash took place at around 4pm on Sunday afternoon. Mr Keogh was pronounced dead at the scene.
Gardaí said the driver of the car, a woman, was assessed at the scene by responding Gardaí and emergency services, and did not require immediate hospital treatment.
Mr Keogh’s tragic death was the sixth road fatality within the space of 24 hours at the weekend, after five young people, three men and two women all in their early 20s, lost their lives in a crash in County Louth on Saturday night.
Gardaí are now appealing to any drivers who were travelling in the area at the time of the collision to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Newcastle West Garda Station on 069 20 650, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.