A man who was killed after being hit by his own van in Co Sligo has been named locally as Paul Gallagher.
The 47-year-old father was a popular member of the local community of the Grange, which has been left shocked by his death.
A carpenter and new business owner, he was active in the Sligo rallying scene and was a co-driver in the community, racing in a Ford Escort Mk2.
The cause of the incident is initially thought to be a handbrake failure, and an investigation is under way to assist the coroner inquest into his death.
RM Block
Funeral arrangements have not yet been made to allow overseas family to return to Sligo.
Gardaí said they were investigating the collision on Saturday which “involved a van and a pedestrian, the owner of the vehicle”.
The incident occurred at about 3.55pm near Luke’s Bridge in Gortnaleck, Grange, Co Sligo, on a road with a steep incline.
The vehicle owner was pronounced dead at the scene.
His body was taken to the local mortuary, where a postmortem examination will take place. The coroner has been notified.
The road was closed for a technical examination by Garda specialists but later reopened.
Gardaí have sought witnesses to the incident and have asked road users who were in the area between 3.30pm and 4pm, and particularly anyone with camera footage, to make contact.
Anyone with information can contact Sligo Garda station on (071) 915 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
