Death of Charleville teenager is family’s second tragedy in eight months

THE DEATH of Darragh Byrne, aged 16, in a climbing accident in County Kerry on Tuesday is the second tragedy to affect the Charleville family, Limerick Live has learned.

One of his grandmothers was killed in a road traffic collision in the town only last November.

Mary Fehilly, aged in her 70s, of Holy Cross Place, Charleville and late of Clonroosk, Feenagh, passed away after she was struck by a car that had mounted the kerb.

READ MORE: 'Remembered with great affection and sorrow': Moving tributes paid to teen who died in tragic accident

Darragh’s mum, Siobhán, a popular local teacher, has lost her mum and only child, both in devastating circumstances, in just eight months.

Local councillor, Ian Doyle said they were both individual tragedies but it is a double tragedy for the families.

“It is absolutely terrible. The Byrnes and the Fehillys are rooted in Charleville, rooted in the community, rooted in everything. They are both hugely respected families. This is affecting everyone in the town,” said Mr Doyle.

He continued: “One was on a Saturday morning, when a lady was going down to buy a GAA lotto ticket to support her club and she gets killed.

"And on Tuesday to pack up your car, go off on a break to Kerry and within a couple of hours tragedy strikes again. It is absolutely desperate. Who knows the future?”

READ MORE: Funeral arrangements announced for teenager who passed away in tragic accident

Cllr Doyle said Darragh was a fine lad, who had just completed his Junior Cert and had his whole life ahead of him.

Cllr Doyle, who expressed his sympathies to the families, said CBS Charleville was open again this Thursday for mourners to sign a book of condolences. 

Darragh’s funeral Mass takes place this Saturday in Charleville.