The family of a talented athlete struck by a truck while walking home in the early hours of this morning are preparing to turn off his life support machine.
Tragic All-Ireland cross country winner Shane Bonner’s organs will be donated today at the request of his family.
Shane, 20, was hit by a lorry at Lurgybrack on the outskirts of Letterkenny at around 4.20am.
It is believed he could have been trying to hail a taxi to his home in Convoy when the accident happened at Lurgybrack Hill.
Close family friend and athletics coach Patsy McGonagle confirmed that Shane’s family have now accepted he will not recover from his injuries.
Shane, the eldest of four from Main Street in Convoy, had just got the results of his second year Civil Engineering Exams from the Letterkenny Institute of Technology.
The emergency services rushed to the scene and the man was taken to Letterkenny General Hospital.
Gardai immediately moved into the area to begin a forensic examination of the scene and blocked off the road for most of yesterday (THURS).
Mr McGonagle revealed how he had only spoke with Shane and enjoyed a cup of tea with him just hours before the tragedy.
“Shane was one of the nicest young fellas you could meet. He texted me yesterday and called over to the house after getting his exam results – he was delighted with how he’d done.
“He was a fine athlete and won numerous cross country All Ireland titles since he was a young fella. My heart goes out to his family including his dad PJ and mum Kay. They are such decent people.
“The whole athletics community and the people of Convoy and Deele College in Raphoe where Shane went to school are also in shock.
“Our thoughts go to the truck driver as well because he is obviously suffering now after what was a tragic accident,” said Patsy.
Garda Inspector Michael Harrison appealed for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to come forward.
“We would like anyone who was in the Lurgybrack area near the Dry Arch roundabout between 4am and 4.30am to contact us. They may have noticed something very small that could help us,” he said.
Ends
