Aghamore footballer James McNeive named as victim of road accident in Sligo

AGHAMORE footballer James McNeive has been named as the victim of a road accident which occurred in Sligo yesterday (Sunday). 

The 28-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene after a van he was driving collided with a lorry shortly after 6am on the N15 at Urlar, Drumcliffe. 

Hailing from a well-regarded local family, Mr McNeive was a key player for the Aghamore senior team and worked as a school teacher. His brother, Matthew, is a campaigner for organ donation. 

Cllr Paul Lawless, who played with Mr McNeive, remembered him as 'one of the nicest lads on the team'. 

"He was really into his health and fitness and loved the good craic as well," said Cllr Lawless, who extended his sympathies to the McNeive family. 

_{The late James McNeive (Pic: Rip.ie)}

The local coroner was notified and arrangements were being prepared for a post-mortem examination.

The lorry driver was taken to Sligo University Hospital for assessment, but his injuries have been described as non-life-threatening.

A garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. They are also seeking road users with camera footage, including dashcam footage, who were travelling between Drumcliffe and Grange at the time of the collision to make it available to them. Anyone with information can contact Sligo garda station at 071 9157000, the garda confidential line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.”

James McNeive is predeceased by his father Pete, his grandparents Joe and Mary Sweeney and Peter and Nora McNeive; aunts Roseanne and Cáit.

He is sadly and lovingly missed by his heartbroken mother Bernadette; his sister Fiona and her husband Barry; brothers Michael, Matthew and Peter Jnr; girlfriend Catherine Carr; his nieces Beth, Sally and Jane and his nephew Noah; aunts Mary, Noreen, Trish and Kate Sweeney; Patricia, Noreca and Monnie McNeive; uncles Pat, Michael, Sean and Kevin Sweeney, Joe Egan and John McNeive; his beloved cousins, extended Sweeney and McNeive family; his team-mates, neighbours and many friends.

May he rest in peace.