Two killed in Offaly collision were father and son (5)

The father and son killed in a road crash in Co Offaly on Monday, have been named as Vincent and Sully Rossi.

Mr Rossi, a resident of Co Laois, was the father of three children who were travelling in the car he was driving when it collided with an articulated truck.

His five-year-old son Sully was killed in the crash. His daughter Hayley (9), remains in a critical but stable condition in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. Another son Daniel (8), was treated at the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, but his injuries were said to be not life-threatening and he was subsequently discharged.

The crash occurred at about 5pm, at Scrubb, Killeigh in Tullamore, on Monday. The driver of the truck was also taken to hospital in Tullamore, where he was treated for minor injuries.

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Originally from Limerick, Mr Rossi moved with his mother and siblings to Portlaoise as a child and he had been raising his children as a single parent in the area.

Locals described Mr Rossi, known affectionately as “Finch”, as a dedicated parent whose children attended school in Mountmellick, Co Laois.

Killeigh parish priest Fr John Stapleton led prayers for the family at services in the local church.

“When news of the accident came through it set off shock waves,” he told Midlands 103 radio.

“When we saw the helicopters we knew it was serious.”

He said people were praying for the victims and their families. “We will also be praying for the first responders. I am always conscious of them and the difficulties they face.”

Local councillor Tony McCormack said the stretch of road on which the collision occurred is not known for accidents. Once a full investigation had been carried out then lessons would have to be learned, he added.

On Monday, gardaí had closed off the road, with diversions in place, while forensic collision investigators examined the scene.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information to contact Tullamore Garda station on 057-932 7600, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111.