Funeral details released for 'funny and friendly' Limerick road crash victim Luke Buckley

Tributes poured in for tragic Luke Buckley, from Friarstown, Grange, who will be laid to rest this Friday.

The fatal collision occurred just outside Ballyneety village, around 12.30am last Monday.

Mr Buckley, who was in his 20s, died 6km from his family home, after the car he was driving left the R512 road near a sharp bend, and collided with a wall at The Cat’s Cradle bar.

Gardaí said there was no other car involved and there was no one else in Mr Buckley’s car at the time.

His death was one of eight since Thursday on Ireland's roads.

Survived by his parents, Julie and Michael, and his siblings Katie and Finn, Mr Buckley was a popular member of staff at Ballyneety Golf Club, and he had a large circle of friends, in particular those in Knockea Primary School, Castletroy College and South Liberties GAA Club.

Family friend, Dee Hogan, wrote in an online book of condolences: “No words are ever going to be enough to comfort you Mick & Julie, Katie & Finn. We remember Luke from a tiny baby to a handsome, funny and friendly young man. So much more to us than neighbours. All of our love to you now & always. Rest in Peace beautiful boy. Dee, Chloe, Nicole & Aisling x.”

Expressing her sympathies, Niamh Ambrose, Principal of Knockea National School, wrote: “We all have such fond memories of Luke as a young boy in Knockea NS, full of fun and endless smiles and we are so utterly sorry for your loss.”

Padraig Flanagan, Castletroy College, CTC, recalled “very fond memories of Luke in Castletroy College”, and the school’s Deputy Principal, Majella Hanrahan, wrote, Mr Buckley’s “winning smile will always be with us here in CTC”.

Members of Ballyneety Golf Club also passed on “sincere condolences to all of the Buckley Family on the sad and tragic passing of Luke, his warm smile and personality will be greatly missed by all”.

South Liberties GAA coach Declan Brosnahan, Drombana, said he had “had the privilege of coaching Luke, for a couple of years” describing him as “a great lad” who was always smiling.

Liam and Helen Hourigan, Ballyneety, also paid tribute, “remembering Luke as bubbly bright young boy smiling” who was taken “far too soon”.

Ray and Helen Hogan stated Mr Buckley “was a great friend to our son Jeffrey, and he will be missed so much”.

Lorraine Nyambi also sympathised, writing that Luke “truly knew how to make people smile and laugh, he will truly be missed”.

Niamh Conroy summed up the tributes, adding that Luke was “truly one of a kind”.

Mr Buckley’s remains will repose at his family residence on Thursday, June 9, from 3pm to 7pm, with removal on Friday, June 10, to St Patrick's Church, Knockea, for 12.30pm requiem mass, followed by private cremation.

Mr Buckley’s family asked for privacy at their home “outside of reposal times” and requested “no flowers please, with donations, if desired, to Milford Care Centre”.

Gardaí appealed for for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage from the area the crash happened to come forward.