Tributes after death of ‘one of a kind’ gent in Edenderry crash
Tributes have been paid to a 'one of a kind, pure gent of a man' who lost his life in a road traffic collision near Edenderry on Wednesday morning.
Forty-six-year-old Stephen (Moo) Mooney of Fr Paul Murphy Street, Edenderry, passed away following the collision between a crane and two vans, which occurred at about 6.15am on Wednesday on the R401 at Drumcooly.
He was the driver of one of the vans and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the other van was brought to hospital in Tullamore with non-life-threatening injuries. Stephen's tragic passing has left the communities of Edenderry and Carbury reeling from shock and warm tributes have been paid to him, describing him as a man who would do anything for anyone.
Stephen is survived by his parents Annie and William, partner Theresa, brothers John, Jason, William Jnr, Martin and Dominic, sisters-in-law Louise and Natalie, stepsons Martin and Dean, godsons Scott and Paul, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends
Keltic Custom Club Eire paid a heartfelt tribute on Facebook to Stephen, saying: "Today we got the tragic news of our fellow club member and most of all great friend Stephen (Moo) Mooney. Stephen was one of a kind, a pure gent of a man who would do anything for anyone always there to help and most of all a great friend to us all. On behalf of all his fellow club members from Keltic Custom Club Eire we send our sincere and deepest condolences to Stephen's partner Theresa, his family and friends."
The post added that the club plans to do guard of honour for Stephen to "give him a send off that he truly deserves" and one he would be proud of.
Liam Brereton of St Brigid's Boxing Club Edenderry expressed his condolences to the Mooney family on behalf of everyone at the club.
Alongside photos from Stephen’s time with the club, he said: "In your younger days as member of the club, they didn’t come much tougher."
Derry Rovers Underage conveyed its deepest sympathies to the Mooney family and said their thoughts and prayers are with them all at this time.
Chairperson of Derry Rovers John McNamee told Midlands 103 it was completely heartbreaking for everyone involved.
"I know when things like this happen the most common word is that of a gentleman, but Stephen Mooney was everything and more, always there to help people.
“That’s just a Mooney thing to be honest, if you’re ever stuck or needed anything, the Mooney family would row in behind you. The whole of Edenderry, Carbury and surrounding areas are with them," he said.
Local Fine Gael councillor Noel Cribbin conveyed his deepest condolences to the family and said it was a very sad day for Edenderry.
"My thoughts go out to all involved. He was a young man who came from a hard-working family. He was going out to do a day’s work and unfortunately was in the wrong place at the wrong time. My deepest condolences to his family," said Cllr Cribbin.
He added that Stephen was from a very well-known family who were very much involved in sport in the town - in GAA, rugby and boxing - and said his thoughts were with the family and all those involved.
Following Wednesday’s collision, the road was closed for a time for examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) was notified and will conduct its own investigation.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 6am and 6.30am on Wednesday morning, August 27, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.