Ireland

Man who died in Donegal crash was visiting from Scotland

Pedestrian was struck at Sandhill, Dunfanaghy at 4.15am on Wednesday morning

Gardaí erected a tent at the scene in order to carry out an on-site examination. Photograph: North West Newspix

Stephen Maguire
Thu Dec 28 2017 - 11:06

A man visiting Co Donegal with his family from Scotland was killed while walking home in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The man died after he "was struck by a car" on the outskirts of the popular seaside village of Dunfanaghy, Gardaí said in a statement.

The deceased, who was 26 years old, has been named locally as Sean Heraghty. The accident occurred at Sandhill at around 4.15am.

The car was being driven by a local man who had just collected two other people who had been at a nightclub in the village earlier.

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The driver and his female passengers were not hurt in the collision.

Gardaí and ambulances rushed to the location of the crash but the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

The road was cordoned off and Garda forensic officers began an investigation.

The man’s family are understood to be originally from the Falcarragh area of west Donegal and he had been a regular visitor. His family are understood to have a holiday home in the Dunfanaghy area.

Local county councillor Seamus O’Domhnaill said the death was especially poignant at this time of year.

“It’s a terrible tragedy but as it happened around the Christmas period it makes it more difficult for all involved.

“The thoughts and prayers of the entire community are with his family at this time.”

It is understood the bereaved family have requested that he will be waked for at least one night in Co Donegal.

The death is the sixth road fatality on Donegal’s roads so far this year compared with 10 in 2016.

Gardaí have again issued a warning to the public to take extra care while out driving and walking over the festive season.

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