GARDAÍ IN Galway detained two people for questioning following the death of a 19-year-old student in a road incident near Barna in the early hours of yesterday morning.
The victim was identified locally last night as Andrew Walsh, from Fethard, Co Tipperary, who had been studying at the University of Limerick.
He and his older brother Paul were in Galway to attend a 21st birthday party on Saturday night at Barna Golf Club, about five miles west of Galway city.
It is understood that Andrew left the party some time shortly after 2.30am yesterday and was walking along the Barna-Moycullen road near the golf club when he was struck by a vehicle.
A car was found abandoned close by the scene.
A taxi driver travelling on the route some time later found Mr Walsh and called emergency services. The student was pronounced dead at the scene at about 4.20am. The road was sealed off yesterday, and Mr Walsh’s body remained at the scene while a forensic examination was carried out.
The body was taken to University College Hospital, Galway later yesterday for postmortem.
Andrew Walsh, one of three children, is survived by his parents Ann and Michael and two brothers. He played soccer and GAA in Co Tipperary and at the University of Limerick.
A 21-year-old man and a minor were detained by gardaí yesterday in relation to the incident. They were taken to Galway Garda Station at Mill Street for questioning, where they were held under the 1984 Criminal Justice Act.
Both were released yesterday evening and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Investigating gardaí appealed for anyone with relevant information to contact them at Salthill Garda Station, on 091-514720.
In a separate road fatality over the weekend, a prominent Galway businessman died after his car hit a wall on the Moycullen road close to the Glenlo Abbey Hotel early on Saturday morning.
David Kelly (39) ran Kelly’s Bar, formerly known as The Living Room, on Bridge Street in Galway with his wife Joan.
He is survived by his wife and three children. Gardaí at Mill Street station appealed for any witnesses to contact them on 091-538000.