A LOCAL festival was marred by tragedy this week after a driver taking part in a car run lost his life.
The Kinawley and extended Fermanagh community was left in “complete shock” on Sunday morning following the fatal one-vehicle road collision, which happened just before the event began.
Father-of-three Richard Mulholland, pictured left, who was in his 50s, was competing in ‘The Summit Show and Run’ as part of the Ballyconnell Festival, which saw hundreds of cars take part in the event. Mr Mullholland, who was well known on the local rally circuit and was a former member of Cavan Motor Club, has been described as “a gentleman.”
In a statement, Cavan Motor Club said its directors, chairman and entire committee was deeply saddened by the sudden death of Mr Mulholland.
“[He] did so much for the club over the years with an unassuming and unreserved manner, a gentleman always and right to the end a rallying and car enthusiast our deepest condolences go to his children, brothers sisters and extended family.”
Declan McArdle, a Councillor for Erne West, said that the Kinawley and wider community has been left shaken following the news of the death of Mr Mullholland, who was originally from Bellaghy but was living in Kilnaleck, Cavan,
“The local area was in complete shock when the news filtered through that somebody had passed away in the car run,” he said.
“Our sincere condolences go out to the immediate family involved and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this sad time.”
Councillor, Elaine Brough, also expressed her sympathies to the family and everyone involved.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the deceased’s family and friends and also for the emergency services involved at the scene,” she said.
The Summit Show and Run, which was postponed following the accident on Sunday morning, expressed its “heartfelt thanks” to the motorsport community and deepest sympathies to the deceased’s family.
Inspector Cherith Adair from the Police Collision Investigation Unit is appealing to anyone with information to come forward.
“At approximately 10.10am we received a report of a single vehicle collision on the Stragowna Road in Kinawley,” she said.
“Officers attended the scene along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, however, the driver sadly passed away at the scene.
“The Collision Investigation Unit is appealing to anyone who may have any information which may assist with our investigation, or who may have been travelling in the area at the time and captured any dash-cam or other footage, to get in touch on 101, quoting reference number 545 of 05/08/24.”
Mr Mullholland will be buried at St Mary’s Cemetery, Ballynarry, tomorrow (Thursday).
To read more on this story see this week’s Fermanagh Herald. Can’t get to the shop to collect your copy? No problem! You can download a copy straight to your device by following this link… Subscribe to current edition
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere