The first cousin of a former Irish Olympic boxer lost his life in a three-car crash on the outskirts of Galway city early yesterday.
Boxer Francis Barrett was last night mourning the death of his cousin, Edward Barrett (18), of St Nicholas' Park, Ballybrit, Galway.
The accident happened shortly after 1 a.m. at Park more, on the Tuam Road. Mr Barrett died at the scene when his Ford Sierra was engulfed in flames after the collision with an Opel Astra and an Opel Vectra.
Two people, Mr Barrett's girlfriend and the driver of one of the other vehicles, were injured in the incident. They were detained at Galway's University College Hospital, where their injuries are not serious.
Mr Barrett came from a large family and is survived by his father, Mr Jimmy Barrett, 10 brothers and three sisters. His mother died a number of years ago.
Last night, Francis Barrett expressed his shock at the death of his young first cousin who grew up with him.
"I'm heartbroken. Edward was like a brother to me. It has come as a great shock to us," he said.
