A Limerick family is mourning a son who was killed early yesterday morning, less than seven months after his brother was killed.The accidents occurred within a mile of each other.
Mr Liam Fitzgerald (27), Rathbane North, Limerick, died after his car struck an ESB pole.
Last September his brother, Anthony (24), was killed in an accident while working on the Southern Ring Road in the city.
He was struck by a site vehicle on the Ballysimon section of the route.
"Liam was loved dearly by all his brothers and sisters.
He was very easy-going, a hard worker, very quiet and very nice," said his sister, Barbara.
"We are all in shock and just can't take it all in.
"We are a close family, especially after Anthony died," she added.
Liam, who worked in the construction business, is survived by parents, William and Mary, his sisters, Carmel, Kathryn and Barbara, and his brothers, Charlie Tommy and Johnny.
Their parish priest, Father Oliver Plunkett, said: "The Fitzgeralds are a hard-working family.
"This is a terrible tragedy for them, particularly as it is their second in less than a year.
"Liam's brother was also killed in an accident, and this is a very difficult time for the family," he added.
According to investigating gardaí at Roxboro station, yesterday's fatal accident happened at 3 a.m. on a wet stretch of road at the junction of the Fairgreen and the Ballysimon Road.
It is understood that a taxi-driver who witnessed the accident has been helping gardaí with their inquiries.
"The car hit the side of the pole. The road was wet, as it had been raining. There was no huge speed involved," said a Garda spokesman.
Two units of Limerick Fire Brigade and an ambulance were called to the scene but Mr Fitzgerald was pronounced dead on arrival at Limerick Regional Hospital.
No other vehicles were involved.