'Taken too soon' - Tributes paid as teenage tractor accident victim named locally

Tributes have poured in as the young man who died following a road incident involving a tractor over the weekend was named locally as Joshua Sullivan.

The 19-year-old from Moneymore, Co Galway was a passenger in a tractor travelling across a farm in Oranmore on Saturday afternoon, when he fell from the vehicle and sustained serious injuries.

Emergency services rushed the teenager to University Hospital Galway, where he was sadly pronounced deceased on arrival.

No others were injured in the incident on a local road in Rinn, and an investigation is ongoing.

Gardaí have assigned a Family Liaison Officer to support Joshua's family during this difficult time.

In a statement, Gardaí said they "are investigating a fatal road traffic incident near Oranmore, Co. Galway which occurred on Saturday 2nd November 2024."

"Gardaí were alerted to an incident involving a tractor which occurred on a local road in Rinn, Oranmore at approximately 3:30pm. A male passenger, 19-years-old, injured in the incident was transferred by ambulance personnel to University Hospital Galway, where he was subsequently pronounced deceased.

"No other injuries were reported. The scene was preserved for a technical examination which has since taken place and the road has reopened".

Predeceased by his loving Mum Jackie and grandfather Tom, Joshua's death notice describes him as the "dearly beloved" son of John, and brother of siblings Shane, Jacob, Hannah and Erin.

Joshua is adored and fondly remembered by all his family members, neighbours and school friends.

Many heartbroken tributes were left for Joshua, with one writing: "I'm devastated. Josh was so full of joy, and love. He had a smile like no other and was so loved, and loving too, and by his family. All our love."

Another added that "Joshua, no doubt, is in the arms of his loving mother Jackie".

Many described the young man as caring, with one tribute saying Joshua "was an extremely gentle and kind soul who always made me smile on his visits into Abbott to drop the paper and have a chat".

Joshua will be reposing at Tearmann Mhuire on the grounds of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Oranmore (H91 XC61) this Wednesday evening the 6th of November from 4pm to 6pm.

A funeral mass will take place on Thursday 7th November in Church of the Immaculate Conception, Oranmore at 11am.

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