‘The whole town is numb’ - Mayo town ‘devastated’ after local doctor dies following road traffic collision

BALLINROBE has been left ‘devastated’ following the passing of popular local general practitioner Dr Martin Finnerty. 

Dr Finnerty died after he was struck by a vehicle on Main Street in Ballinrobe after 6.30pm on Thursday evening. His body has been removed to Mayo General Hospital for post-mortem examination. 

Church Lane remained closed on Friday morning to allow for a forensic investigation. 

A man (aged in his 30s) has been arrested in connection with the incident and has since been released without charge.

Dr Finnerty, who was in his 60s, had operated a GP practice in Cornmarket for many years after taking over the practice from Jimmy Cummins. 

The father-of-three was well-regarded among his patients and in the wider community. 

Frank Keane, a local businessman and Chairman of Ballinrobe Community Development Council, described Dr Finnerty as ‘a gentleman’. 

“The whole town is numb, the whole town is reeling,” Mr Keane told The Mayo News. 

Local county councillor Michael Burke extended his sympathies to Dr Finnerty’s family and described his passing as ‘an awful blow to the town’. 

“He was so many people’s doctor and he was an integral part of our community,” Cllr Burke told The Mayo News. 

“He was an unbelievable doctor, he never rushed anyone out the door,” he added.

His funeral details have yet to be announced. 

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 6pm and 7pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Claremorris Garda Station on 094 937 2080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.