83-year-old bachelor dies in Killaloe

POST-mortem results are due later this week following the death of an Ogonnelloe pensioner from what is believed to be a suspected heart attack in Killaloe on Monday.
Michael O’Connor, Ballyhurley, Ogonnelloe, was driving from his home to the Green in Killaloe when he apparently collapsed at the wheel of his car in New Street and then struck a pole.
Killaloe gardaí have confirmed there was only a small amount of damage caused to the front of his car, which has prompted speculation that the 83 year-old bachelor farmer may have died from a suspected heart attack before the collision.
The collision happened at New Street just outside the local fire station and only a short distance from Killaloe Garda Station.
Fire-fighters arriving for a training session at their station, who happened to be near the scene, provided some medical assistance before ambulance paramedics arrived.
Despite extensive efforts to resuscitate the pensioner, he was pronounced dead at the scene. He was removed to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick where a post-mortem examination was carried out.
The road was closed pending a garda forensic examination, while local diversions were put in place for a number of hours.
Councillor Joe Cooney said it was a sad way for the pensioner to die.
“He was a quiet man who kept to himself. He lived on his own in a cul-de-sac and his neighbours used to help him out on occasions,” he said.