'It’s something no family should ever have to experience' — tragic death of Kildare newlywed

KILDARE had two major road traffic incidents within half an hour of each other on Thursday (5 June) which saw one man dead, and three others hospitalized.

Jerry Maloney (19) from Ladytown was killed when the pick-up truck he was a passenger in crashed on the Barrettstown Road in Newbridge a little after 8pm.

The driver was taken to Tallaght Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, however Mr Maloney was pronounced dead in Naas General Hospital that night.

Separately, gardaí are also appealing for witnesses following a serious collision which happened on the R415 at Boley Little, Athy about half an hour earlier.

Gardaí and emergency services responded to the collision involving a car and two motorcycles shortly after 7.30pm.

One of the motorcyclists, a man in his 20s, was brought to Tallaght University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries, whilst the second motorcyclist, also in his 20s, was taken to Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise to be treated for injuries believed to be non life-threatening, and there were no other injuries reported.

Mr Maloney, who only recently married his wife Chloe, will be buried on Wednesday (11 June) following funeral mass in St Conleth’s.

Gardaí are still appealing for witnesses of the crash to come forward.

Local councillor Peggy O’Dwyer, who lives close to where the crash happened, said the community is in a state of shock.

“I want to express my sincere condolences to the family of the young man who tragically lost his life. It’s terribly sad news,” she said.

“It’s something no family should ever have to experience, and I also hope that the other young man involved makes a full recovery.” In Athy local councillor Mark Leigh said his thoughts are with the family of the seriously injured motorcyclist.

“I was saddened to learn of this accident. My thoughts are with the family at this incredibly difficult time, and I sincerely hope for their full and speedy recovery.” Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to both of these serious crashes to come forward.

“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in either of these areas between 7.15pm and 8.15pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí,” said a spokesperson.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Newbridge Garda station on (045) 440180, Athy Garda station on (059) 8634210, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”