The mother of a GAA All-Star was killed when her car hit a wall in Co Galway yesterday morning. Ena Hardiman, a mother of nine, died instantly when her car crashed into a wall as she returned home after dropping one of her sons to work.
The 55-year-old was not far from her home in Mullagh when the incident happened shortly after 7.30am at Skycur on the Kiltormer-Laurencetown road. Mrs Hardiman, whose husband Frank died 10 years ago, was the only occupant of the car. Her body was taken to Portiuncula hospital.
Mrs Hardiman’s son Derek is a former Galway inter-county hurler who won an All-Star award in 2005. She is survived by her eight sons Derek, David, Conor, Francis, Paddy, Sean, Enda and Cathal, and her daughter Lorraine. Cllr Jimmy McClearn said the death caused widespread shock. “It is very tough on them. They were such a close family and she did an unbelievable job rearing her children,” he said.
The road was closed for a Garda forensic examination, but it was reopened yesterday afternoon. Gardaí at Ballinasloe would like to speak to witnesses who should call 090-9631890 or the Garda confidential line, tel: 1800-666111.