Young boy dies after Co Clare quad bike crash

An eight-year-old boy who was involved in a quad bike crash near his Co Clare home has died.

Ultan Hayes had been riding on the machine with his father last night when they lost control and hit a ditch.

It is understood the boy had made his First Confession earlier in the day.

The pair were thrown from the quad bike, which had been bought that day, on to the roadway.

The crash happened at about 9.15pm at Boleynagoagh North on a road off the R352 Mounthshannon to Whitegate route. No other vehicle was involved.

A passing motorist raised the alarm. Two units of the fire brigade and two ambulances from Scarriff attended the scene. Paramedics treated father and son at the scene before Ultan was taken to University Hospital Limerick. He was later transferred to the Children's University Hospital in Temple Street, Dublin.

The boy’s father Brian Hayes was also hospitalised but his injuries are reported not to be life-threatening.

The area was sealed off overnight while the road remained closed until mid-afternoon when a forensic collision investigation was completed.

Gardaí from Scarriff, who have described the incident as a “sad and tragic accident”, are investigating the cause of the collision but are not seeking witnesses.

The area was sealed off overnight while the road remained closed until mid-afternoon today until a forensic collision investigation was completed.

Local councillor Pat Burke said: “It was a terrible shock when the news broke of this tragic accident so close to the family’s home. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. The whole community is praying for his family. It’s a tragic loss.”