Nursing-home resident dies after being hit by car

Anton McNulty

GARDAÍ are investigating a fatal road traffic accident following the death of a resident of a Charlestown nursing home who was knocked down by a car on the old N5.
John ‘Louie’ O’Hara (81) of Gortermone, Tourlestrane, Co Sligo, died in Mayo University Hospital last Monday evening as a result of being struck by a car while walking two days previously on Saturday, January 13.
The accident occurred at approximately 6.45pm on the old N5 Charlestown to Swinford road, approximately 2km from Charlestown. Mr O’Hara, who was a resident of St Anne’s Nursing Home in Charlestown, was brought to Mayo University Hospital suffering from head injuries and was put on life support.
He remained in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital, where he died on Monday evening, January 15, after a life-support machine was turned off.
Mr O’Hara, a retired farmer, was a single man who lived alone before going into the nursing home, where he was convalescing following a recent stay in hospital. St Anne’s Nursing Home is located along the old N5 close to where the accident occurred.
He is survived by his by his sisters, Mary O’Loughlin, Teresa O’Hara (New York), Kathleen Walsh and Dorothy Duncan; brother, Eddie O’Hara; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
He was laid to rest last Thursday in Rhue Cemetery following Requiem Mass in St Attracta’s Church in Tourlestrane.
The occupants of the car which struck Mr O’Hara were not injured in the collision. Gardaí in Claremorris are investigating the accident and are appealing for witnesses to contact them on 094 9372080 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.