Tributes paid to Mayo woman who died following collision in Castlebar

Tributes have been paid to a Mayo woman who was killed after she was hit by a truck while walking along a road in Castlebar yesterday morning.

The woman named locally as Chris (Christina) O'Donnell of Rathbaun Drive, Castlebar and formerly of Clogher, Ballyvary was killed following a collision between herself and a truck along the Rathbaun Road in Castlebar shortly before 10am on Thursday morning.

Local councillor Michael Kilcoyne said that Ms O'Donnell, who was aged in her 60s and retired, always had a smile on her face and her death had shocked the community along the Rathbaun Road.

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“It was a terrible tragedy to occur and what happened has shocked the local community where Chris lived,” Cllr Kilcoyne told The Mayo News.

“She used to work in reception in the Welcome Inn and she was the soundest person you could meet. She was always very helpful and willing to help and always had a smile on her face. She later worked in the reception at the X-ray and scan department of Mayo University Hospital and she was very helpful there too. Everyone knew her and she looked after people when they came to the reception and sorted out their problems,” he said.

Cllr Kilcoyne offered his condolences to her husband Vinny who is well known through his work in the Travellers Friend Hotel and to their family, friends and neighbours.

The Rathbaun Road was closed for a number of hours on Thursday morning while Gardaí carried out an examination of the scene. It is understood that Ms O'Donnell was struck by a truck which was drawing soil from a nearby construction site.

Gardaí in Castlebar are appealing for any witnesses to the collision to contact Castlebar Garda Station on 094 9038200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.