GAA player dies after being hit by Garda car in Co Louth

Garda Ombudsman informed after collision early this morning

The scene of the fatal crash  at Bellurgan on the road from Dundalk to Carlingford involving a Garda patrol car and a pedestrian local man. Photograph:  Tom Conachy
The scene of the fatal crash at Bellurgan on the road from Dundalk to Carlingford involving a Garda patrol car and a pedestrian local man. Photograph: Tom Conachy

The Garda Ombudsman is investigating an incident in which a man died after being knocked down by a Garda patrol car in Co Louth.

Eamonn Carroll (32), from Bellurgan Point, Dundalk, was walking at Bellurgan along the main Dundalk to Carlingford road at about 1.20am today when he was knocked down.

Mr Carrollwas pronounced dead at the scene.

The scene of the fatal crash  at Bellurgan on the road from Dundalk to Carlingford involving a Garda patrol car.  Photograph: Tom Conachy
The scene of the fatal crash at Bellurgan on the road from Dundalk to Carlingford involving a Garda patrol car. Photograph: Tom Conachy
Eamon Carroll playing for his club St Pats Co Louth last  Sunday. Photograph: Arthur Quinlan
Eamon Carroll playing for his club St Pats Co Louth last Sunday. Photograph: Arthur Quinlan

The Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission confirmed the Garda car involved was on patrol at the time and was not involved in a pursuit.

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GSOC said the road where the incident happened was dark and does not have public street lighting.

The road was closed to allow a GSOC investigation team and Garda forensic collision experts to examine the scene.

GSOC will prepare a file for the DPP and a copy of their investigation report will be given to the county coroner.

Mr Caroll, a son of the former editor of the Dundalk Democrat Joe Carroll, played with the St Patrick’s GFC team from nearby Lordship. He was a member of the club’s team that won the senior county title on Sunday.

As a mark of respect, his club has suspended all activities and a book of condolence has been opened.

In a statement Louth GAA extended its “sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Eamon Carroll who died tragically last night. The thoughts of the entire GAA Community within the county are with Eamon’s family, friends and the St Patricks Club at this sad time.”