Gardaí narrow search for hit-and-run driver

Gardaí searching for the driver whose car killed pedestrian Alan McSherry are focusing their attention on the 30 minutes before his body was found.

Detectives have evidence that Mr McSherry (48) may have been walking on a narrow unlit country road to his home at 4.40am on Sunday. His body was discovered at 5.10am by his wife Jo as she drove from her home in search of him.

Ballyshannon-based Insp Dennis Joyce, who is leading the search for the driver, said yesterday: "We have spoken to a number of absolutely crucial witnesses who were in the area at the time and they have helped us narrow down the time frame."

The Garda would like to hear from more people, specifically in relation to the time slot of 4.30am to 5.15am, he said.

“The driver had to go somewhere after the collision occurred and any help we can get on those minutes, even after the victim’s body was discovered, could be vital,” he said.

“I would appeal to any taxi drivers in the area at the time to help us. Bundoran was packed with people at the weekend, including from Northern Ireland where they had their August bank holiday Monday.”

Mr McSherry had moved from Birkenhead near Liverpool with his wife to Bundoran more than 15 years ago because they loved surfing. He worked as a maintenance man in the Bundoran area and was known as "Handy Al". He died in the townland of Ardfarn when he was walking home to his house just across the Co Leitrim border at Boyannagh after a night socialising.

The road is mostly used by locals but it is also a back route out of Bundoran to other rural links to Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, Kinlough, Co Leitrim and Garrison, Co Fermanagh.

Mr McSherry will be waked at his home before being transferred to England for his funeral in Birkenhead.