DEATH ON THE ROADS
Death on the roads
BY JACQUELINE COURTNEY
Fatal accidents plunge 3 local communities into morning
IT was one of the darkest weeks for road tragedies locally when three young men tragically lost their lives in separate accidents within a matter of days.
The latest accident occurred on Tuesday evening, when 19-year-old Roger Crawford, of Hazelwood Park, Irvinestown died after sustaining fatal injuries. His car struck a tree at Scallon Road, Trillick after the vehicle left the road. He was rushed to hospital but died a short time later.
Police have issued fresh appeals for information regarding all three tragic deaths.
Earlier, a 20-year-old Clogher youth and an Omagh schoolboy also died on local roads, within days of each other.
Their poignant funerals witnessed an overflowing of grief in both communities, still devastated by the tragedies.
Ryan Tierney of Ashfield Gardens, Clogher died on Friday last and 15-year-old Richard Marshall whose policeman father emerged as one of the hero's from the Omagh bomb, sustained fatal injuries in a road accident on Sunday.
A 23-year-old man arrested in connection with what police initially described as a hit and run incident was later released on police bail. He was detained after Richard's body was found on the roadside at Fivemiletown and after appeals were issued for the driver to come forward.
Thousands of mourners attended both funerals to pay their final respects to the young men who were cruelly taken in the prime of their lives.
Both weekend victims were talented young men and although from different religious backgrounds, possessed several endearing similarities. These included their love for sport and for life, and the fact their grieving families were extremely well known and highly respected in both towns.
News of their premature deaths was learnt with much disbelief throughout the area which quickly rallied around to support the family circles.
Ryan, who recently qualified as a fireman, was one of the great promising sporting faces in the Clogher area and was a member of a family steeped in Gaelic sports.
He died after an accident on the Favour Royal road outside Augher shortly before midnight on Thursday.
He was a son of Pat and Ann Tierney and had just been accepted to join the Fire Brigade just before Christmas.
At his funeral in St Macartan's Church on Sunday, a Guard of Honour was formed by Clogher Eire Og of which Ryan was a member and devoted his young life to. Members of the Fire Brigade also paid their own special tribute to the exceptional young man who lived his life to help others.
It was one of the biggest funerals ever witnessed in the Clogher diocese a testimony to the great respect which he and his family are held.
Schoolboy, Richard, as well as being an excellent student, was also making a name for himself in athletic circles within his school.
The funeral of Richard, who was the eldest child of Sergeant Philip Marshall, who was awarded an MBE for his professionalism shown in the aftermath of the Omagh bomb, was attended by Ronnie Flanagan, Chief Constable.
The Service took place at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Tuesday at 1.00pm and tight security surrounded the vicinity with several other high ranking officers attending the service.
Both towns were almost brought to a standstill as mourners made their way to the Churches to pay their final respects and to show their sympathy to both family circles.
Richard, from the town's Hospital Road area, was a Year 12 pupil at Omagh Academy and according to his headmaster, Jim McBain, was one of the most popular boys in the school.
"Not only was he popular in his own form but right throughout the school," said Mr McBain.
Paying tribute to Richard, Mr McBain described him as an excellent scholar and a fine athletic.
"He was a credit to both his parents and the school," added Mr McBain.
Richard's father received an MBE in 1999 for the role he played in coordinating efforts to rescue the many wounded in the Omagh blast.
Sgt Marshall directed emergency services to the scene and stayed there for many hours, only leaving the scene when the last body was discovered.
It is understood Richard had left the family home in Omagh on Saturday to go out with friends who were celebrating the end of their mock GCSE examinations.
At his funeral service on Tuesday, his minister and family friend, Rev Robert Herron told the numbed congregation, which included relatives of those killed and injured in the Omagh bomb, that that there was no meaning in the death of a 15-year-old boy.
"Richard's death does not make sense and there is no way that any of us on this side of eternity will ever make of it. All we can do is mourn and grieve. As you Philip and Wendy, Barren and little Zoe mourn your loss we mourn with you and with the other members of your families, your friends and Richard's friends," said the Minister.
He spoke of Richard being a conscientious pupil who did well at school and was a talented footballer.
Whilst a pupil at Gibson one of his proudest moment was breaking one of the school's records for long distance swimming.
Representatives of the Academy were present at the funeral and included Richard's classmates and members of the teaching staff.
At the funeral Richard's father spoke of the close relationship he shared with his son.
"Their's was a relationship of two friends rather than just father and son," Mr Herron told mourners.
Richard is survived by his parents, Phillip and Wendy Marshall, brother Barren and sister Zoe.
Interment followed afterwards at Cappagh Parish Churchyard
At the poignant funeral of Ryan Tierney on Sunday, thousands of mourners were present to hear tributes paid by local priest, Fr Lawrence Dawson.
The Funeral Mass was concelebrated by former curate, Fr Peter O'Reilly who made the journey from Dublin for the funeral.
Many of Ryan's heartbroken team players were also there to pay their final respect to a dear friend who had everything to live for.
According to a close associate one of Ryan's proudest moments was when he was accepted into the Fire Brigade something he always wanted to do.
He was a popular and friendly young man a part-time barman and joiner and who like his father Pat, was so enthusiastic about the local Gaelic Club.
One of his colleagues told the Ulster Herald that the Club was still shell shocked by Ryan's tragic death.
"For someone so young and talented to be suddenly wiped off the face of the earth is very hard to take on board. He was so committed to the club, as was his whole family, and we are all shocked by his death. His death has had a terrible impact on this close knit community. Ryan had so much to offer and so much potential" added the friend.
Ryan's father is a committee member of the Club and his other three sons, Dermot, Paul and Mark, are also Club players.
Interment took place afterwards in St Patrick's Cemetery.
Police appealing for information about all the accidents but are particularly interested in speaking to the driver and occupants of a vehicle, possibly a mini bus or van, which was parked near the scene of the accident involving Richard Marshall. The vehicle had its interior light switched on as it was parked close to Creerehill Road junction with the A4 Brookeborough to Fivemiletown Road.
Police would also like to hear from anyone walking or who may have noticed Richard who was dressed in light coloured shirt and jeans, walking along the road between 12.05 and 12.35 on Sunday. It is understood Richard had earlier been at the Valley Hotel
Anyone with information is asked to phone 66 322823 and police at 82 246177 with information about the Crawford death.
BY JACQUELINE COURTNEY
Fatal accidents plunge 3 local communities into morning
IT was one of the darkest weeks for road tragedies locally when three young men tragically lost their lives in separate accidents within a matter of days.
The latest accident occurred on Tuesday evening, when 19-year-old Roger Crawford, of Hazelwood Park, Irvinestown died after sustaining fatal injuries. His car struck a tree at Scallon Road, Trillick after the vehicle left the road. He was rushed to hospital but died a short time later.
Police have issued fresh appeals for information regarding all three tragic deaths.
Earlier, a 20-year-old Clogher youth and an Omagh schoolboy also died on local roads, within days of each other.
Their poignant funerals witnessed an overflowing of grief in both communities, still devastated by the tragedies.
Ryan Tierney of Ashfield Gardens, Clogher died on Friday last and 15-year-old Richard Marshall whose policeman father emerged as one of the hero's from the Omagh bomb, sustained fatal injuries in a road accident on Sunday.
A 23-year-old man arrested in connection with what police initially described as a hit and run incident was later released on police bail. He was detained after Richard's body was found on the roadside at Fivemiletown and after appeals were issued for the driver to come forward.
Thousands of mourners attended both funerals to pay their final respects to the young men who were cruelly taken in the prime of their lives.
Both weekend victims were talented young men and although from different religious backgrounds, possessed several endearing similarities. These included their love for sport and for life, and the fact their grieving families were extremely well known and highly respected in both towns.
News of their premature deaths was learnt with much disbelief throughout the area which quickly rallied around to support the family circles.
Ryan, who recently qualified as a fireman, was one of the great promising sporting faces in the Clogher area and was a member of a family steeped in Gaelic sports.
He died after an accident on the Favour Royal road outside Augher shortly before midnight on Thursday.
He was a son of Pat and Ann Tierney and had just been accepted to join the Fire Brigade just before Christmas.
At his funeral in St Macartan's Church on Sunday, a Guard of Honour was formed by Clogher Eire Og of which Ryan was a member and devoted his young life to. Members of the Fire Brigade also paid their own special tribute to the exceptional young man who lived his life to help others.
It was one of the biggest funerals ever witnessed in the Clogher diocese a testimony to the great respect which he and his family are held.
Schoolboy, Richard, as well as being an excellent student, was also making a name for himself in athletic circles within his school.
The funeral of Richard, who was the eldest child of Sergeant Philip Marshall, who was awarded an MBE for his professionalism shown in the aftermath of the Omagh bomb, was attended by Ronnie Flanagan, Chief Constable.
The Service took place at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Tuesday at 1.00pm and tight security surrounded the vicinity with several other high ranking officers attending the service.
Both towns were almost brought to a standstill as mourners made their way to the Churches to pay their final respects and to show their sympathy to both family circles.
Richard, from the town's Hospital Road area, was a Year 12 pupil at Omagh Academy and according to his headmaster, Jim McBain, was one of the most popular boys in the school.
"Not only was he popular in his own form but right throughout the school," said Mr McBain.
Paying tribute to Richard, Mr McBain described him as an excellent scholar and a fine athletic.
"He was a credit to both his parents and the school," added Mr McBain.
Richard's father received an MBE in 1999 for the role he played in coordinating efforts to rescue the many wounded in the Omagh blast.
Sgt Marshall directed emergency services to the scene and stayed there for many hours, only leaving the scene when the last body was discovered.
It is understood Richard had left the family home in Omagh on Saturday to go out with friends who were celebrating the end of their mock GCSE examinations.
At his funeral service on Tuesday, his minister and family friend, Rev Robert Herron told the numbed congregation, which included relatives of those killed and injured in the Omagh bomb, that that there was no meaning in the death of a 15-year-old boy.
"Richard's death does not make sense and there is no way that any of us on this side of eternity will ever make of it. All we can do is mourn and grieve. As you Philip and Wendy, Barren and little Zoe mourn your loss we mourn with you and with the other members of your families, your friends and Richard's friends," said the Minister.
He spoke of Richard being a conscientious pupil who did well at school and was a talented footballer.
Whilst a pupil at Gibson one of his proudest moment was breaking one of the school's records for long distance swimming.
Representatives of the Academy were present at the funeral and included Richard's classmates and members of the teaching staff.
At the funeral Richard's father spoke of the close relationship he shared with his son.
"Their's was a relationship of two friends rather than just father and son," Mr Herron told mourners.
Richard is survived by his parents, Phillip and Wendy Marshall, brother Barren and sister Zoe.
Interment followed afterwards at Cappagh Parish Churchyard
At the poignant funeral of Ryan Tierney on Sunday, thousands of mourners were present to hear tributes paid by local priest, Fr Lawrence Dawson.
The Funeral Mass was concelebrated by former curate, Fr Peter O'Reilly who made the journey from Dublin for the funeral.
Many of Ryan's heartbroken team players were also there to pay their final respect to a dear friend who had everything to live for.
According to a close associate one of Ryan's proudest moments was when he was accepted into the Fire Brigade something he always wanted to do.
He was a popular and friendly young man a part-time barman and joiner and who like his father Pat, was so enthusiastic about the local Gaelic Club.
One of his colleagues told the Ulster Herald that the Club was still shell shocked by Ryan's tragic death.
"For someone so young and talented to be suddenly wiped off the face of the earth is very hard to take on board. He was so committed to the club, as was his whole family, and we are all shocked by his death. His death has had a terrible impact on this close knit community. Ryan had so much to offer and so much potential" added the friend.
Ryan's father is a committee member of the Club and his other three sons, Dermot, Paul and Mark, are also Club players.
Interment took place afterwards in St Patrick's Cemetery.
Police appealing for information about all the accidents but are particularly interested in speaking to the driver and occupants of a vehicle, possibly a mini bus or van, which was parked near the scene of the accident involving Richard Marshall. The vehicle had its interior light switched on as it was parked close to Creerehill Road junction with the A4 Brookeborough to Fivemiletown Road.
Police would also like to hear from anyone walking or who may have noticed Richard who was dressed in light coloured shirt and jeans, walking along the road between 12.05 and 12.35 on Sunday. It is understood Richard had earlier been at the Valley Hotel
Anyone with information is asked to phone 66 322823 and police at 82 246177 with information about the Crawford death.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0938
Published Date: 31-Jan-02
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