Carrigallen community in shock after tragic death of Dessie O'Kelly in tractor crash

The Carrigallen community in Co Leitrim is in mourning following the tragic death of local teenager Dessie O'Kelly, who was killed in a tractor crash yesterday. Dessie, 18, was a passenger on the tractor when it crashed on the R204 at Aghavilla at around 3:10 pm. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, also in his late teens, was taken to Cavan General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Paddy O'Rourke spoke to Newstalk about the heart-wrenching impact of the tragedy. "Unfortunately we are left without one of the finest young men from our parish," he said. "To say that the parish has been numbed by this is an understatement because it has hit us like a ton of bricks."

Cllr O'Rourke added that Dessie had completed his Leaving Certificate and was enrolled in an agriculture course. "The young man was 18 years of age, completed his Leaving Certificate and was doing a course in agriculture," he said. "His whole life was ahead of him."

The loss has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community of Carrigallen, with Cllr O'Rourke expressing the disbelief many are feeling. "It's beyond comprehension that somebody could go out in the morning and not come back to his family and loved ones at that age," he said. "He would have had a lot of colleagues at school... in the course he was doing... and the entire area has been stunned by this."

Carrigallen Vocational School, where Dessie had been a student, has offered support to students and former classmates. The school issued a statement: "It is with deep sadness that we remember former student Dessie O’Kelly who passed away yesterday. The sympathies of all our school community are extended to his family and friends at this sad time."

Dessie was well-known in the local farming community, and his passing has left many reeling. Local parish priest Fr John McMahon described him as a "helpful and great young fellow," and expressed his condolences to the O'Kelly family.

The community of Carrigallen continues to rally around Dessie's family, offering their support as they cope with this unimaginable loss.

The funeral mass for Dessie O'Kelly will take place in St. Mary's Church, Drumeela, on Easter Sunday at 2 pm, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Dessie will repose at his home in Drumloona, Carrigallen, on Good Friday, April 18th, from 4 pm to 8 pm, and on Easter Saturday, April 19th, from 5 pm to 8 pm.

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