Tributes have been paid to a man who died after the car he was driving entered the Grand Canal in Co Kildare.
The incident occurred at Grangeclare West, Kilmeague, Co. Kildare at around 8pm near the Travellers Rest Pub.
This morning, the Garda Water Unit removed a black four-door Suzuki Swift hatchback in an operation supervised by two garda divers who helped secure the vehicle as it was recovered from the canal.
The body of the man was also taken from the water and treated by paramedics but was pronounced dead at the scene.
He has been named locally as Jason Hallahan, 47, who was originally from Clondalkin but was resident at Prosperous, Kildare.
Local Fianna Fáil councillor Darragh Fitzpatrick said that the incident was a ‘terrible tragedy’ in the days leading up to Christmas. ‘It’s such a loss for the community. He was just doing his day’s work, delivering food and he didn’t come home,’ Cllr Fitzpatrick said.
In a moving tribute, his cousin Claire Veale Mullally said ‘Rip Jay will love and miss you forever cuz fly high I know u will have the best bed up there.’
Another friend John Galligan of Wilson’s Hospital School wrote: ‘On behalf of the whole school community, can I pass my condolences to Sharon, Evelyn and the Hallahan family. May Jason rest in peace.’
Jason is deeply regretted by his daughter Evelyn, partner Sharon, mother Patricia, father Seamus, and extended family.
A celebration of life service will take place on Monday, December 30 in Newlands Cross Crematorium Chapel at 2:30pm, followed by cremation.
Gardaí are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward.
Gardaí are particularly appealing for anyone with video footage (including motorists with dash-cam), from the area at the time, to contact Naas Garda Station on 045 884300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
