Three hurt after car careers into Portumna hurling fans

A man is due in court next month following a crash on Portumna's bridge over the Shannon.

A man is due in court next month following a crash on Portumna's bridge over the Shannon.

The incident happened after a crowd of hurling supporters had gathered there to wait for their victorious local team to return from Dublin.

Three people were released from hospital on Saturday after the accident late on Friday when a car crossing the bridge lost control and careered into the crowd.

A large group of people, including children, had gathered to cheer on the Portumna hurling team, which won the GAA All-Ireland club final in Croke Park on St Patrick's Day.

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Three people were hit by the vehicle, including Vincent and Angela Sellars, parents of hurling player Vincent Sellars, and Phil O'Donnell, mother of Portumna vice-captain Aidan O'Donnell.

They were taken by ambulance to Portiuncula hospital in Ballinasloe, Co Galway, and were held for observation.

Portumna had postponed its St Patrick's Day parade until yesterday because of the big match in Dublin, and the successful hurlers were cheered during the event from an open-top bus.

However, tributes were also paid yesterday to a former Galway mayor and county councillor, Willie Burke, who died at home on Friday while watching the all-Ireland club match on television.

Mr Burke, from Killimor, had a very keen interest in the GAA, and is due to be buried today.

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins is the former western and marine correspondent of The Irish Times