Man who died in Clare light aircraft accident is named locally

A MAN who died when the microlight aircraft he was piloting crashed near Miltown Malbay on Sunday evening has been named locally as Michael Flynn.

Mr Flynn, a plumber who is understood to be in his 60s and well known in the local area, lost his life after the aircraft crashed at around 4.45pm in a field off the Ballard Road about a kilometre from Miltown Malbay.

The local community has been shocked by the tragedy and are rallying around the Flynn family, says Chair of the West Clare Municipal District Councillor Shane Talty.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Michael Flynn at this time. This is a tragic and sudden loss and a difficult time for his family,” said Councillor Talty.

“The community, friends, and neighbours will have them in their thoughts and try and help them to get through what is a difficult experience.

“This is a very close knit community, he was very well known locally and I know his neighbours and friends will do all they can to support the family.”

National Ambulance Service paramedics, units of Clare County Fire and Rescue Service from Ennistymon station and Gardaí rushed to the scene of the incident on Sunday.

The Athlone-based Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS) air ambulance was also tasked to the incident however Mr Flynn was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) of the Department of Transport has been notified of the accident.