tragic death Tributes pour in for young Irishman killed in car incident in New Zealand

Declan Curley, from Athlone, was out walking when he was killed in the Te Aro area of Wellington at about 3.30am local time

Declan Curley

Neil Fetherstonhaugh

February 15 2022 08:42 AM

Tributes have continued to pour in for a young Irishman who was killed after he was hit by a car in New Zealand over the weekend.

Declan Curley, from Athlone, died after the incident in the early hours of Saturday morning in Wellington.

He was out walking when he was killed in the Te Aro area at about 3.30am local time.

Local media report that Declan was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the car is said to be assisting police with their enquiries.

In his death notice on RIP.ie, tributes have been paid to Declan of Clonark, Athlone, Roscommon / Athlone, Westmeath who “tragically in New Zealand”.

“Sadly missed by his heart broken parents Tommy and Rena (nee Ganly) his partner Sam and her daughter Mia, aunts, uncles, cousins and a wide circle of friends both in Ireland and New Zealand,” the notice reads.

It adds that Declan’s family would like to express their gratitude to the Irish community in New Zealand.

While funeral arrangements are to be made later, the family has requested that any donations be made to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.

In the condolences section one person has written: “To Declan's parents, partner, relatives and many friends. I am so sad to hear of Declan's untimely passing. What a fantastic person and he left his mark with everybody he met. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. Rest peacefully Declan.”

Another has written: “Our deepest sympathy to Tommy & Rena and the extended Curley and Ganly families on the sad passing of Declan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

Another has added their “deepest sympathies to Rena and Tommie and partner Sam and Mia on tragic death of Declan. May God give u strength. Thinking and praying for you all. May Declan rest in Peace.”

Earlier, the Clann na nGael GAA club in Athlone said: "It is with deep regret and sadness that the club has learned of the untimely and tragic passing of Declan Curley.

"Declan played underage football with Clann na nGael and followed the progress of Clann and his beloved Roscommon with great interest.

"We express our deepest sympathies to Declan’s parents Tommy & Rena, his partner Samantha, the extended Curley and Ganly families and also Declan’s many friends and neighbours on their terrible loss."