Poignant tributes as community rallies around family of Ronan Wilson
Nine-year-old Ronan Wilson lost his life in a hit-and-run collision in Bundoran on Saturday night. Floral tributes and teddy bears mark the spot on Atlantic Way while a 23-year-old man has appeared in court over the incident
As floral tributes and teddy bears poignantly mark the spot in Bundoran where Ronan Wilson was tragically killed, a fundraiser has been set up to support the family of the nine-year-old.
Ronan, who was from Kildress in County Tyrone, died when he was struck by a car on Atlantic Way at around 9.20pm on Saturday.
The vehicle involved in the collision failed to remain at the scene and a 23-year-old man, Sergee Kelly from Upper Mullaghmore, County Sligo, appeared at Carrick-On-Shannon District Court on Tuesday charged in relation to the hit-and-run.
Budding Gaelic footballer Ronan will be laid to rest on Thursday after funeral mass at 12 noon on Thursday in St. Mary’s Church, Dunamore.
Several tributes have been laid at the scene of the collision.
“Look after your family from Heaven,” one note reads, “and help them through these days ahead.”
The Kildress community have rallied around and neighbour Shauna Loughran and her family have launched an online fundraiser with over £22,000stg raised inside 24 hours.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the tragic accident that took the life of a nine-year-old boy Ronan Wilson in our community,” Shauna wrote.
“Ronan who came from a very well known respected family in the village of Kildress was a bright, loving soul whose life was cut short in a heartbreaking hit and run accident.”
Kelly was arrested on Sunday having initially fled from the scene. Detectives at Ballyshannon Garda Station charged Kelly with failing to give or seek assistance at the scene; with failing to stop; and with failing to remain at the scene.
When charged, Kelly told Gardai: “It was wrong and I should have stopped, but I didn’t.”
He was granted bail on strict conditions. His passport and phone have been seized and he has to sign on at Ballyshannon Garda Station three times a week.
Gardaí are continuing to appeal to anyone with information or who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.
A spokesperson said: “Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam), and who were travelling in the area of Atlantic Way, Bundoran, on Saturday evening between 8.45pm and 9.45pm, is asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballyshannon Garda Station 071 985 8530, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”