Man killed in Galway crash named as 21-year-old medical student as tributes paid

The talented young sportsman was pronounced dead at the scene of the single-vehicle incident that occurred along the N59 near Bushy Park in the early hours of Monday morning

Tributes have been paid to a young medical student who was killed in a car crash in Galway city earlier this week.

Cormac Frank Kinsella, 21, was killed in the single-vehicle collision which occurred on a notorious stretch of the N59 near Killeen House at Bushy Park shortly after 5am on Monday morning (December 18).

Top line

Mr Kinsella, from Sandbrook in Ballon, Co Carlow, was a promising medical student and was in the third year of his degree at University of Galway.

READ MORE - Man arrested over alleged hit-and-run in Dublin two years ago which left woman seriously injured

He was a former student at Ballon National School in his native Carlow, where his sister Grace is currently studying for her Leaving Cert.

The school staff Ballon National School lead the tributes to their former pupil in a message which reads: “On behalf of the staff and the wider school community, we wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to Aisling and Michael Kinsella and family, on the sad passing of their beloved son Cormac our past pupil and brother of Grace in 6th class. We will remember him fondly this morning at our school mass. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

Mr Kinsella was also a noted sportsman, playing gaelic football with Ballon GFC and hurling with Burren Rangers, while he was also a gifted athlete who competed for Ballon/Rathoe Athletic Club in sprint and middle-distance underage events.

Paying tribute to their former player, Burren Rangers Hurling and Camogie Club wrote in a message shared on their social media page: "Burren Rangers Hurling and Camogie Club wishes to extend its deepest sympathy to the Kinsella Family, Sandbrook on the tragic passing of their beloved son Cormac on Monday.

"Cormac played Hurling in the formative years of Burren Rangers, Gaelic Football with Ballon GFC, soccer with Burrin Celtic and was a talented athlete winning many athletic medals and Community Games titles.

"The Kinsella Family have a long and respected involvement with the Burren Rangers club with their sponsorship of jerseys and the Kinsella Under 10 tournament.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his father Mick, our former club chairman, his mother Aisling, brother John, sisters Ava, Sorcha and Grace, his two grandmothers Margaret & Nora, uncles, aunts, family members and a wide circle of friends.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Friends and family have also paid tribute to Mr Kinsella, with the parents of one his classmates at University of Galway writing on RIP.ie: "To The Kinsella Family. We are heartbroken for you all on the devastating news of the death of Cormac. Cormac was a huge part of my son Sean's life as they set out their University life together. They have created some great memories that will never be forgotten. May Cormac Rest In Peace."

Another mr Kinsella's University of Galway classmates said he " knew how to make an entire room laugh with ease," adding: "Having only known him for a brief few months, it’s obvious his soul was gentle and bright. His presence will be dearly missed and his absence will be sorely felt. May he rest in eternal peace."

One of Mr Kinsella's childhood friends from Ballon in Carlow added: "Rest in peace bro. You lived life to the fullest. We’ve memories and stories of you to last us a lifetime. Thank you for being my friend."

Background

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the fatal road traffic accident on the N59 Moycullen Road , around 2kms outside Galway city, just after 5am on Monday.

Despite the best efforts of the medical personnel, Mr Kinsella was later pronounced deceased at the scene.

It is understood that the vehicle in which Me Kinsella was travelling overturned, ending up on its roof before the car caught fire with Galway Fire Service attending the scene.

His body was later removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Galway, where a post-mortem will take place in due course.

Gardaí are still appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward. Anyone who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and who were travelling in the area between 2.30am and 5am on Monday December 18, are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Galway Garda station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the latest news direct to your inbox