Daingean road crash victim is laid to rest

Warm tributes have been paid to a “gifted” Offaly carpenter who was laid to rest in his native Daingean on Thursday (February 13) after a single-vehicle road crash which claimed his life on Monday of this week.

It is understood that Shaun (Michael) Colgan, who was in his 50s, suffered a medical emergency just before his car was involved in a crash close to his home in the townland of Killaderry, shortly before 12 noon on Monday. Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of the crash, but Mr Colgan, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead a short time later.

The road at Killaderry was closed for a number of hours to facilitate a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, and Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to the collision to come forward.

The news of the untimely passing of the hugely-respected local tradesman was greeted with an outpouring of shock and sadness right across north Offaly and further afield. The late Mr Colgan, who is predeceased by his parents, Paddy and Teresa, is remembered as “a gifted carpenter” and as a “true gentleman who was kind, reliable and always willing to help others.”

A former work colleague of the much-loved Daingean man described him as “a true friend and a wonderful work colleague” in a touching online tribute on RIP.ie, while another said he was “a gifted man in so many ways” who will be “sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him”.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal for any witnesses to Monday's crash to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Tullamore Garda Station on (057) 9327600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

The late Shaun Colgan is sadly missed by his loving sister, Gemma; brother, Patrick; brother-in-law, Paul; sister-in-law, Mary; his adored nieces and nephew, Becky, Sonya, Emma and Patrick; grandnieces, Eabhí and Éala and his aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

The Funeral Mass took place in Mary Mother of God Church in Daingean on Thursday morning after which Mr Colgan was laid to rest in the adjoining St Mary’s Cemetery.

May he rest in peace.