A young Longford rugby player was killed on Monday night in Sligo when the car in which he was travelling was involved in a collision with another vehicle.
The man, who has been named locally as 28-year-old Derek Bannon and from the Mohill area of Leitrim, died when the car he was driving collided with another car on the N4 near Drumfin at 8.30pm.
He was taken to Sligo General Hospital for his injuries where he was later pronounced dead.
A passenger travelling in Derek’s car along with the driver and passenger in a second vehicle were taken to hospital with minor injuries. It’s understood one of the injured is a man from the Killoe area of Longford who is in his early 20s. His injuries are described as being non life threatening.
Longford Rugby Club officials yesterday paid tribute to the talented centre who until two years ago remained a key part of Longford’s starting XV.
“Derek was a very popular member of the club and was a very valuable member so this is very sad news to be getting,” said club secretary Derek Turner. “He played with the club from U10s all the way up to senior level and was a successful member on the Moyne School team growing up.”
A prison officer, Derek was still a member of the Longford 2nds with the club.
It’s not known what may have caused Monday’s two car collision as gardai begin the investigation into the incident.
The stretch of road was closed for a lengthy period of time on Monday and into Tuesday morning to allow Garda Forensic Collision Investigators to carry out a detailed forensic examination of the scene.
Gardaí have appealed for any witnesses who may have come across he accident to contact Sligo Garda station on 071 9157000, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.