tragic Dad who died days after he tried to stop car theft to be laid to rest next week

Ian McDonnell was rushed from the scene by ambulance to Tallaght University Hospital where he died last Friday evening

Ian McDonnell

Neil Fetherstonhaugh

February 03 2022 01:10 PM

The funeral of Dublin-based businessman Ian McDonnell who died days after he tried to stop his car being stolen at his workplace is taking place early next week.

The tragic dad-of-three (50) was at the Ozone Cars dealership on the Robinhood Road in Clondalkin, where he worked as manager, on Sunday evening on January 23.

While he was there his car was stolen and he intervened to try to prevent the grey-coloured Volkswagen Passat being driven away.

But he ended up on the bonnet as the car drove along the Robinhood Road, and was then found on the road at around 6.15pm with serious injuries.

He was then taken from the scene by ambulance to Tallaght University Hospital but died last Friday evening.

Numerous messages of sympathy have been extend to his family in the condolences section on his RIP.ie page that revealed details of his funeral arrangements.

Ian McDonnell RIP

It states that Ian, of Lucan, Co. Dublin and late of Galway Road, Roscommon and Elphin, passed away on January 28, at Tallaght University Hospital.

Predeceased by his parents John and Marie,” it adds. “To the inexpressible grief of his heartbroken wife Monica (nee Beirne) and children Clodagh, Gareth and Aoife.

"Ian will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by his wife and children, sister Sandra McFadden (husband Keith), sisters-in-law Irene and her husband Andrew, Olga and her partner Richard, brother-in-law Adrian and his wife Tracy, aunts Breda, Monica and Laura, nieces and nephews, Joseph, Ciara, Colm, Rachel, Karen, Sara and Vanessa. He is also fondly remembered by his many close friends.”

The notice continues: "Ian will be reposing at the family home in Lucan on Sunday, February 6, from 2pm to 8pm. Prayers on Monday at 2.15pm will followed by removal at 3pm to St Patrick’s Church, Elphin, to arrive at 7pm.

"Funeral Mass is on Tuesday at 11.30am with burial afterwards in Caldra Cemetery (via Shankill Cross)."

In the condolences section, one person has written: “Deepest sympathy to Monica & family &to the Beirne & McDonnell families on the tragic passing of Ian. May his soul rest in peace.”

Another adds: “Deepest sympathy to Monica, Clodagh, Gareth, Aoife and all the extended Beirne and McDonnell family on the tragic loss of Ian.

“Our hearts are breaking for you and no words are going to console or take away your pain. We are all praying that you will have the strength to get through the weeks ahead. May Ian rest in peace.”

One other person has written: “My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to you Monica, Clodagh, Gareth, Aoife, Sandra and the extended members of the Mc Donnell and Beirne families on the tragic loss of Ian.

“May God give you the strength for the future. You are all in my thoughts and prayers . May Ian’s beautiful soul rest forever in eternal peace and happiness."

Gardaí were said to be now following a definite line of inquiry into the death of Mr McDonnell, with extensive CCTV footage recorded in and around the Ozone Cars dealership on the Robinhood Road in Clondalkin, as well as forensic evidence from the recovered car, believed to have been crucial in advancing the investigation.

Gardaí in Clondalkin investigating the fatal incident found Mr McDonnell’s VW on Limekiln Green in Greenhills, Dublin 12, on Friday and it was recovered to be forensically examined.

The scene on Robinhood Road where a vehicle struck Ian McDonnell (Photo by Steve Humphreys)

A second vehicle involved in the incident, a silver coloured Toyota Aqua with the registration number 152 D 32687, was located burnt out in Ballinascorney, Tallaght last Tuesday.

It had been stolen in Crumlin on Sunday January 23, the same day that Mr McDonnell had tried to prevent his own car being stolen.

The Toyota was also taken away to be forensically examined.

Gardai have appealed for anyone who may have been in the Robinhood Road area of Clondalkin on the evening of Sunday January 23 between 5.30pm and 7pm, and who may have witnessed any activity which drew their attention or who may have any video dash cam footage, to come forward.

They also want to speak with anyone who spotted the grey VW between Sunday January 23 and Friday January 28; and the silver Toyota Aqua between Sunday January 23 and Tuesday January 25.

Gardai say they are looking for any information on where either car was parked up at any location, and if either vehicle was seen in any petrol station or at any other location over those days.

Investigating Gardaí are also seeking assistance from anyone who may have seen either of the cars in the vicinity of Ballymount, Walkinstown, Tallaght, Kylemore Road, or Ballyfermot between 6.30pm and 9pm on Sunday night January 23.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Clondalkin Garda Station at (01) 6667600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.