Buncrana boy killed in collision to be laid to rest this morning

The funeral Mass of Dillon Kelly will be celebrated by Buncrana curate Fr John Walsh at 10am in St Mary’s Oratory, Buncrana.

The young boy, the son of Colin and Sabrina, was the eldest of three boys and a baby girl and lived in The Woods, Buncrana.

His untimely death has devastated the local community and his family has never been far from people’s thoughts over the past week.

Dillon was a fifth year pupil at Scoil Iosagain and the school continues to provide support for pupils and teachers. His two younger brothers are also pupils at the school.

Dillon died in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast on Sunday evening following the collision in Buncrana on Friday, February 21 at Slavery Road, Tullyarvan, near the Woods estate, between 5.15 - 5.30pm.

Inishowen Garda Superintendent Eugene McGovern said Dillon and his 10-year-old friend were walking in the direction of St Joseph’s Park when he was struck by a blue 05DL Ford Transit van, travelling from Slavery in the direction of Buncrana town. He sustained serious injuries and was taken to Derry’s Altnagelvin Hospital, before being transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital.

Anyone who may have been in the vicinity between 5-6pm and has information that would assist Gardai is asked to call Buncrana Garda Station on 074 93 20540.

SDLP Leader, Colum Eastwood MP expressed sympathy, stating:It is heart breaking that a young life with so much potential and many happy years ahead of him has been taken so soon. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this devastating time.”

Cathaoirleach of Donegal, County Councillor Nicholas Crossan said Dillon’s death was a ‘terrible, terrible tragedy’ that was beyond words.

Councillor Rena Donaghey said the local community would rally around to help in any way they can in the ‘days, weeks and months ahead.’

Colr Donaghey said she also wanted to remember the driver involved in the collision and his family, ‘who have also been left devastated.’

Dillon’s death was the second road death in Inishowen so far in 2020 and the second this month.

John Patton, from Derry, died in the early hours of February 3, following a collision at Three Trees, Quigley’s Point.