THIS is the heartbreaking first picture of a dad-of-six and grandfather-of-nine who died after being hit by a truck last week.
Gerard Maloney, who was aged in his 90s, died after the bike he was riding collided with a truck on the N59 near Moycullen in Co Galway at around 12pm on Thursday afternoon.
The pensioner was brought by ambulance to University Hospital Galway, where he was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.
A notice online told how the Galway native was “taken suddenly”, adding that he is predeceased by his “beloved wife” Nóirín, sisters Sally, Nora, Kitty and Esther and by his brothers Dominic, Patsy, Peter and Mattie.
It added that Gerard is “loved and mourned” by his sons, daughters, brother, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, “cherished grandchildren”, nieces and nephews, the extended family, friends and neighbours.
Tributes have poured in for Gerard since his tragic passing, with one mourner telling how he was a “pleasant man who loved his daily cycle”.
Another said: “Gerard was just the most special soul — his cheeky smile, kind heart, and sparkle in his eye will forever be remembered and cherished. We are sending you all our love and are just so very sorry for your tremendous loss.”
A third person remembered Gerard as a “gentleman” and a “good friend” whilst his nieces and nephews said: “Our dear Uncle Gerard, young at heart, mind and body – you filled the room with your energetic spirit and warmth.
“We will miss you, love you and cherish the special moments shared last year forever.”
Gerard’s niece added: “A beloved uncle, one of nature’s gentlemen, who kept up that wonderful zest for living until he was taken so suddenly. A legend and role model.
“I will never forget his kindness to Mum and his warmth to all of us. Rest peacefully Uncle Gerard. You must be soaring high with the angels, reunited with your darling Noirin.”
Gerard will repose at the O’Flaherty Funeral Parlour in Galway city from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday before a requiem mass at 11am on Wednesday in St Joseph’s Church.
Garda Forensic Collision Investigators conducted a technical examination of the scene of the collision on the N59 on Thursday.
Officers have urged anyone who may have any information to come forward.
TRAGIC WEEKEND ON IRISH ROADS
In a statement, a garda spokesperson said: “Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.
“Any road users who were on the N59 in the Clydagh area between 11:45am and 12:05pm and may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Salthill Garda Station on 091 514720, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”
An Garda Siochana confirmed that a total of 24 people have lost their lives on Irish roads so far this year.
This is down from the figure of 36 during the same period of 2024.
Over the weekend, a five-year-old boy and a man in his 70s both lost their lives in two separate collisions in Co Laois while a 26-year-old man died in a quad bike crash in Co Westmeath.
