Tributes paid after dad-of-three killed in traffic accident

Tributes paid after dad-of-three killed in traffic accident

28 February 2024

TRIBUTES have been paid to a 36 year-old Downpatrick man, who died in a road accident last week.

Father-of-three Mark Murphy died after the lorry he was driving collided with a bus on the Rathfriland Road, Newry, on Thursday morning.

Mr Murphy was one of two people taken to hospital, but died as a result of his injuries.

The female bus driver, who was also taken to hospital, sustained injuries that are not believed to be life threatening.

Mr Murphy’s funeral was held on Monday in St Patrick’s Church, Legamaddy, and was followed by interment at Struell Cemetery.

Mr Murphy is survived by his wife, Danielle, children Ethan, Adam and Myla, and the family circle.

South Down Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard said he wished to extend his deepest sympathy to Mr Murphy’s family.

“This has stunned the community, but everyone will rally around his family in what will be difficult days ahead,” he remarked.

South Down SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said Mr Murphy’s death was devastating for the family and the community.

“Mr Murphy was a young man with his whole life to live,” he said.

“He had a young family and their world has been turned upside down and the thoughts and prayers of the whole community are with them .

“I know the community in Downpatrick will rally round and offer support to them at this difficult time.”

“I’d also like to thank all the emergency services who responded to this incident for their efforts. We would be lost without them and they do an important job in often difficult circumstances.” 

Downpatrick SDLP councillors Gareth Sharvin and Conor Galbraith also paid their tributes.

Cllr Sharvin said: “My deepest sympathies and prayers are with Danielle, their children and the wider family circle at this time.

“I remember Mark during the school days and then throwing skittles – he always had time for everyone and he will be deeply missed.”

Cllr Galbraith said: “This is a heartbreaking outcome, and the thoughts of everyone in the Downpatrick area will be with the victim’s family as they come to terms with this tragic loss.

“My thoughts are also with the bus driver who was injured, and I wish her a speedy recovery. I would also urge anyone who witnessed the collision to please get in touch with police to assist in their investigation.”

Mr Murphy was a keen golfer and a member and past captain of the Four Roads Golfing Society.

Posting on the society’s Facebook page, Mr Murphy’s friend, Donal Smith, said he had left his mark on the society.

“A pleasure to be with on and off the course,” Mr Smith said. “Mark was more than a capable player who recorded many a society win. Our own memories of him will be memories we’ll cherish forever”.

“Always great craic and always up for a laugh. Simply put, Mark was just an all round good lad.”

Police have issued an appeal for information about the fatal accident.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Our investigation is continuing, and we are appealing to anyone who was travelling in the area and has dash-cam footage, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, and quote reference number 286 of 22/02/24.”