Third year University of Galway medical student, Cormac Kinsella was laid to rest in his home village of Ballon, Co Carlow on December 22.
The 21-year-old student died following a single vehicle collision when the car he was travelling in overturned and caught fire on the N59 Moycullen road in Bushypark just after 5am on the morning of Monday, December 18.
Gardaí and emergency services attended the crash, but Cormac was pronounced deceased at the scene. Following his death, Cormac was taken Lennon’s Funeral Home in Bunclody, Co Wexford and was later laid to rest in Ballon Cemetery, following a funeral mass St Peter and Paul’s Church, Ballon.
‘Truly one of a kind’
Following the news of his passing, Cormac’s local community in Sandbrook in Ballon, Co Carlow were in shock, but it was not long before tributes began to pour in, immortalising the young student with stories of his kindness, talent and loyalty.
A Tottenham Hotspur fan, Cormac’s many friends recall his loyalty to the team, with one writing, “Truly one of a kind. Entertained us all to no end, not least when he would comfortably beat us in poker during the late nights up in college. Loyal to a fault during good times and bad to his many friends (and his beloved albeit frustrating Tottenham Hotspur ).
“Rest in peace Cormac, we will continue to smile and laugh whenever we think of you.”
‘Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis’
As well as being an avid follower of sports, Cormac was a ‘talented athlete’ in his own right, competing for Ballon/Rathoe Athletic Club and playing hurling with his local GAA club, the Burren Rangers.
The tribute from Burren Rangers recalled of Cormac’s years playing for the club, his talent for athletics winning ‘many athletic medals and Community Games titles and the support of his wider family on local sports.
“The Kinsella family have a long and respected involvement with the Burren Rangers club with their sponsorship of jerseys and the Kinsella Under 10 tournament.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his father Mick, our former club chairman, his mother Aisling, brother John, sisters Ava, Sorcha and Grace, his two grandmothers Margaret and Nora, uncles, aunts, family members and a wide circle of friends.”
Gardaí appealing for witnesses
Gardaí are still appealing for witnesses of the crash to come forward. Anyone who may have camera footage and who were travelling in the area between 2:30am and 5am on Monday, December 18 are asked to make the footage available to Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Galway Garda station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
