Sadness as Laois crash victim is named locally

THE death of a popular local man in a road tragedy has caused immense shock and grief in Abbeyleix.

Pedestrian Tony Kavanagh, who was aged in his 70s, suffered fatal injuries when he was struck by a car on the town’s Main Street yesterday evening.

He was rushed to hospital following the collision at about 7pm but was sadly pronounced dead later at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore.

A single man, Mr Kavanagh was a talented saxophone player and regularly performed at senior citizens’ parties and many other events.

He is described locally as a wonderful, friendly person and a true gentleman, whose loss will be deeply felt throughout the community.

Fianna Fáil councillor John Joe Fennelly from Abbeyleix said the town is in deep shock following the tragedy, as he described Tony as a very popular character who always loved to have a chat and a laugh.

Expressing his condolences to the family, Cllr Fennelly said: “It is terribly sad and he will be sadly missed around the town.”

Gardaí investigating the fatal collision, which happened outside the town’s SuperValu store, have appealed for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact them.

Anyone with camera footage, including dash-cam, from the area between 6.30pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday 28 January is asked to make this footage available to gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Abbeyleix Garda Station on 057 8730580, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.