Moving tributes were paid to a Bus Eireann driver who tragically lost his life following a road accident in County Westmeath on Wednesday.
Michael Gill, 55, of Kenagh, County Longford, died after the bus he was driving went off the road and into a ditch in the village of Killogeenaghan, Moate, at around 5.30pm.
There were around 20 passengers on the bus at the time and some were taken to hospital for treatment for what were described as non-life threatening injuries.
Mr Gill, who was an experienced bus driver, was rushed to Tullamore Midland Regional Hospital where he later died.
Local Councilor Colm Murray said the close-knit Kenagh community were shocked by news of the tragedy.
“Michael was a good old character and was extremely well got,” he said, reports The Mirror, revealing that his fellow parishioner was no stranger to the local sports scene.
“He would have been involved on the darts circuit for a number of years and he was also involved with the local GAA club, winning a couple of U21 championships in the 80s,” reports The Mirror.
Mr Gill had previously worked with local family-run coach provider Farrelly’s Coaches for a number of years before joining Bus Eireann late last year.
His former boss, Liam Farrelly, has opened up about how he even tried to lure him back into the fold last week.
“I only rang him last Monday to see how he was getting on and if he wanted to come back,” said Mr Farrelly, reports The Mirror.
Gardai, meanwhile, is calling for witnesses to come forward and are particularly eager to speak to motorists who may have dash cam footage to make available to investigating officers.
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