Tributes paid to ‘loving family man’ who died in road accident

Tributes paid to ‘loving family man’ who died in road accident

19 August 2015

TRIBUTES have been paid to the Dromara pensioner who died in an accident in Ballynahinch town centre last week.

Eighty six year-old Pat Branniff was struck by a tipper lorry in Windmill Street in the town last Thursday morning as he was making his weekly visit to Ballynahinch market.

The incident happened around 11am close to the High Street junction and is the third major accident involving lorries at this part of the market town in recent years. An elderly woman was knocked down and killed at the same location several years ago while a man in his sixties lost a leg after he was struck by an articulated vehicle.

Mr Branniff’s son Tom described his father as a “loving family man”, someone who had a wide range of interests and a person who was extremely well known in the area.

A blacksmith by profession, Mr Branniff would have celebrated his 87th birthday this November. Predeceased by his wife Annie, he is survived by his sons Tom and Seamus and four grandchildren.

“Dad was very well known in the area with his family from Drumkeeragh,” said Tom. “He was involved with Dromara Vintage Club and was very interested in vintage vehicles. He was a regular attender at St Michael’s Church in Finnis and everyone knew Pat Branniff.”

The pensioner retired almost two decades ago and his son explained as a result of his work as a blacksmith, his father was known “far and wide.”

Tom continued: “People came from across the surrounding area to his workshop. He loved chatting with people, even while he was working. Dad always told stories and listened to other people’s as well.

“Our family has been overwhelmed by the number of people calling to express their condolences and sympathy and to share our grief with us at this time. We take great comfort from this as it shows the high regard people had for dad. He was a loving father and grandfather and will be very sadly missed.”

Tom said the Branniff family is aware of calls to make the Windmill Street area in Ballynahinch safer and hope something is done to ensure there are no further accidents.

“We are aware there have been similar accidents at this part of Ballynahinch and hope something like this never happens again. My father was in Ballynahinch for his weekly trip to the town’s market. His visit was always something that had to be done on a Thursday and he went there with my brother’s wife,” he continued.

Tom added: “The family would like to thank the people of Ballynahinch and the members of the emergency services for all their work in the wake of last week’s accident and the kindness they have shown us. We are really very grateful for all their efforts.”

Mr Branniff was laid to rest yesterday following a service of Requiem Mass at St. Michael’s Church in Finnis conducted by Fr Peter McNeill.

Last week’s incident has sparked fresh calls from politicians for pedestrian barriers to provided at Windmill Street to increase people’s safety at this part of the town. They argue the number of accidents at this location and the heavy volume of traffic which uses Windmill Street also reinforces the need for work to start on Ballynahinch’s proposed £50m by-pass.

Strangford MP Jim Shannon described Windmill Street as a “dangerous area” and said “urgent steps” are required to make this busy part of Ballynahinch safer, calling for the provision of pedestrian barriers to funnel people towards dedicated pedestrian crossings at this part of the town.”

He added: “My thoughts and prayers are with the Branniff family at this time of sadness and grief. We must do all we can to ensure another family does not face this grief in the future. Windmill Street seems safe to cross but history has shown it isn’t. Something must be done urgently to ensure an accident like this does not happen again.”