'A lot of hearts are left broken' - tributes paid as Offaly road crash victim named

The man who died in a single vehicle crash near Bracknagh has been named as Stephen O'Reilly, a native of Athlone. 

He was pronounced deceased at the scene on the L1005 at Bracknagh near Clonbullogue in Edenderry, Co Offaly.

Shortly after 11 pm on Monday, May 20, Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to a road traffic collision involving a single car on the L1005.

The driver and sole occupant of the car, a male in his 30s, was fatally injured, gardaí confirmed.

He was the 79th person to die so far on Irish roads this year. 

Investigating Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and anyone with video footage (including dash cam) or recordings from along the route at the time of the collision to contact them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tullamore Garda Station at 057-9327600 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

A notice on RIP.ie reads: "Stephen (Reilly) O'Reilly, 9 Beechpark West, Athlone, Westmeath / Greystones, Dublin
Suddenly on Monday 20th May 2024. 9 Beech Park West, Athlone, Co. Westmeath & formerly of Greystones, Dublin.

"Predeceased by his beloved brother James and his granddad Michael. Sadly missed by his loving fiancée Aoife, daughter Kayleigh, father Joe, mother Catherine, sister Michaela, Catriona and Shamini, best friends Mark, Eddie, Fidgy and Shannen and their children, relatives and many friends. May He Rest In Peace

"Reposing at his residence (9 Beechpark West, N37 X2X8) on Thursday from 12 noon until 6pm. (House private outside of these hours please). Requiem Mass in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan on Saturday at 12 noon followed by burial afterwards in Coosan Cemetery.

"The family greatly appreciates your sympathy and support at this very sad time".

Tributes have been paid by his many friends. 

"This has to be one of the hardest things I've ever had to write in my life. I just cannot believe you are gone. A lot of hearts are left broken my friend....Rest in peace Stephen," wrote Donna Curran. 

"Rip buddy you were 1 in a million. Condolences to all who knew him. I Hope ye find some strength.. x He was a legend and a good friend," wrote Tanya Mulvhill. 

One friend wrote: "What are we gonna do without you? I can't believe I'm even writing this. I'm so, so heartbroken over ya Reilly. It feels like a terrible dream, it doesn't feel real at all. Like why did God have to take you. It really is true he definitely only takes the best. We are all in bits. I wish I could change this".

Another friend wrote: "Literally can't come to terms with it or even think it's true. You were a true Legend and always a great laugh. A fella with a heart of gold and do anything for your friends & family. So many funny memories I'll never forget ya for the things ya done for me".