A TEN year old boy struck by a vehicle in Shannon on Sunday was pronounced dead on Wednesday.
Dylan Coady Coleman died as a result of the crash that happened shortly after 2pm on Sunday afternoon, in which he was struck by a van.
He was brought to University Hospital Limerick to receive treatment for his injuries and subsequently transferred to Temple Street.
A man in his twenties was arrested in connection with the incident, before being released pending further investigations.
A GoFundMe page was set up following the crash and by Wednesday afternoon almost €40,000 had been raised for Dylan’s family. In the same week as they lost Dylan, the family also welcomed a new baby boy.
On Wednesday St Tola’s National School posted a tribute on Facebook to Dylan. “It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the tragic death of our beloved pupil Dylan Coady Coleman. Dylan is a much loved 4th class pupil in St Tolas N.S. His gorgeous smile and kind heart endeared him to everyone in our school community. He will be greatly missed .
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his Mum Laura, dad Garry, little sister Zoe and new baby brother Shane. We are also thinking of his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, his extended family and his wide circle of friends, especially those here in St Tolas.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.”
Dylan had played soccer for Shannon Town United and the club posted a message on social media paying tribute to him. “All at Shannon Town Utd AFC are heartbroken to hear the tragic news of Dylan Coady Coleman’s passing today. We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the Coleman and Coady families at this time. Dylan has been with the club since he was four and was a member of our current U-11 squad. He was a joy to be around and always had a great big smile on his face when he played.”
It said that his teammates and coaches were heartbroken following the tragedy. “His infectious smile and energy will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Dylan. YNWA.”
Dylan was also involved with Shannon Kickboxing Club and spokesman Howie Vincent also paid tribute to him. “The saddest news to hear the passing of young Dylan Coady Coleman who we were privileged to have had as part of our club in Shannon Kickboxing. Such a lovely young boy we would like to offer our deepest condolences to Laura, Garry, Zoe and all the extended families at this devastating time.”
A large number of flowers have been passed on the roadside near the scene of the crash.
Councillor Donna McGettigan said that the loss of Dylan has devastated Shannon. “It’s a terrible tragedy, for someone so young to be taken so suddenly. The whole town is in shock. Shannon is one of those communities where the town will rally around the family at this time.”
She said that there had already been plans to make road safety improvements in the area where the crash happened.
Gardaí are appealing to any witnesses of this collision to come forward.
Any road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) who were traveling in the Purcell Park area between 1:45 pm and 2:30 pm on Sunday afternoon are asked to provide this footage to Gardaí.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Shannon Garda Station at 061 365900, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.