Anna-Marie Flynn
A WELL-KNOWN Ballina man, who died in a road accident, was laid to rest last weekend.
Jackie Kirby, of Rosario, Church Road, Ballina, died following the crash at O’Rahilly Street in the town centre, on Tuesday evening last at approximately 8pm.
The deceased was taken to Mayo General Hospital where a post-mortem was carried out. It is believed the driver died as a result of a heart attack suffered at the wheel.
The town came to a standstill as the area spanning from John Street to O’Rahilly Street was sealed off by gardaí immediately after the incident, but was re-opened the following morning.
Mr Kirby, who was in his seventies, was originally from Claremorris but settled in Ballina for decades. He was very popular throughout the community and was heavily involved in the athletic club. A large crowd paid their respects at McGowan’s funeral home on Friday evening and again at St Muredach’s Cathedral where Requiem Mass was held on Saturday morning. Burial followed in Leigue Cemetery.
Ironically, an anniversary Mass for the deceased’s parents, TB and Margaret Kirby, was scheduled for Friday in the Cathedral; on the same day his remains were removed to the church.
Neighbour PJ Clarke told The Mayo News Mr Kirby will be sadly missed in the area.
“We miss seeing him already walking down the road as he did every day to get his newspaper and then go to 10 o’clock Mass. He was such a lovely, nice man who was comfortable to talk to.”
Jackie Kirby is survived by his wife, Josie, and their three children.
