Tributes to 'gentle soul' killed in Laois collision

HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a well-known Laois man, who died in a traffic collision outside his home last night.

Paddy Mulhall from Crannagh, Stradbally lost his life when he was struck by a car at about 10.45pm.

Aged in his 70s, he was a familiar and popular figure from his years working at Telfords in Portlaoise until his retirement.

In a warm tribute on social media this evening, Jack Nolan of Nolan’s Locksmiths in Portlaoise said: ‘Shocked and saddened this morning to learn of the tragic death of Paddy Mulhall.

‘Paddy was a great friend of ours as he called into our shop on nearly a daily basis. When he worked for all the years in Telfords Hardware he would call in every morning on his way in.

‘Paddy was a gentle soul and loved the bit of craic with never a bad word.

‘Over the years I had great chats with Paddy of his life and times and particularly his time as a young lad in school in Cork.

‘God rest Paddy's gentle soul. Deepest sympathy to his two sisters and families.’ 

The family death notice states: ‘The death has occurred of Patrick, better known as Paddy Mulhall, Crannagh, Stradbally, Co Laois, unexpectedly following a tragic road accident on 23 February. Predeceased by his parents and brother-in-law Barney.

'Paddy will be sadly missed and forever loved by his family, sisters Mary and Elizabeth, nieces Levi and Tara, nephews John, Liam, Colm, Richard, Anthony and Adam, grandniece Cadhla, grandnephew Liam and a large circle of friends and neighbours.

‘May Paddy Rest in Eternal Peace. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.’ 

Extending sympathy to Mr Mulhall's family at a meeting of Laois County Council this morning, Stradbally councillor Paschal McEvoy said he was "a lovely and well-liked man".

Describing the incident as tragic, Cllr McEvoy said: "A bachelor who lived by himself, he was always on the road and anyone who came across him always picked him up."

Mr Mulhall was sadly pronounced dead following the collision, which happened on the N80 on the Carlow side of Stradbally.

He was removed to Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise and a post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course.

A woman who was driving the car, aged in her 30s, was not injured.

The road was closed pending an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators this morning.

Garda are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

In an appeal this morning, gardaí said: “Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N80 at Crannagh, Stradbally, Co. Laois between 10.30pm and 11pm yesterday, 23rd February 2025, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 867 4100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”