Gardaí have issued an appeal for witnesses to a road tragedy which claimed the life of a well-known local man.
Jim Quinn, who was in his 60s, passed away following a single vehicle collision on July 14th.
He was the driver and was seriously injured when his car struck a ditch at Tooban on the R238 in Burnfoot at around 4.30pm.
He was removed from the scene to Letterkenny University Hospital in a serious condition but sadly later passed away in hospital.
A female passenger, aged in her early 60s was not injured during the collision.
Mr Quinn, of Rossbracken and formerly of Backhill Buncrana, was a local suicide prevention councillor, a fortune teller and a great Republican, he was well-known across many facets of local life.
He was a true ‘legend’ in the community and a great neighbour who will be dearly missed.
Condolences have been expressed to Jim’s heartbroken family following their tragic loss.
Buncrana-based Councillor Jack Murray said: “There’ll be manys a yarn told over the next few days about Jim Quinn, following his tragic and sudden passing.
“Jim was a gentleman, well known as an experienced expert at telling tall tales. Any time I met him he was always upbeat and happy – a great quality in any person. He was known by everyone locally and famous all over for his fortune telling.
“He was also a very passionate Irish republican and dropped everything at election time to knock every door in the Back Hill to ask his friends and neighbours to support Sinn Féin.
“I was very saddened to hear the news yesterday. My sincerest condolences to all his family and friends. He’ll be missed.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
A tribute from the Burt Residents Group said: “The sad passing of Jim Quinn from Backhill, Buncrana has evoked many memories from everyone who knew him. Jim loved his sport and often played football in Burt for several different teams. He also brought teams together for Summer Cup games such as this star studded side of his which he brought to Burt back in the late 80’s. ”
Deeply shocked and saddened by his loss are his wife Pauline, daughters Emma, Paula, Iris, Amanda and sons Derek and Steven, grandchildren and great-grandson.
Jim will be sorely missed by his brothers & sisters John, Patrick, Kathleen, Annette, Marie, Cindy and Martin; brothers & sisters-in-law, nieces & nephews, wider family circle and his many valued friends & neighbours.
He is predeceased by his parents Jimmy & Kathleen and his nephews Gavin Duffy & Darren Quinn.
Jim’s funeral will take place this morning, Wednesday, July 19 at St Mary’s Church, Cockhill with Requiem Mass at 11am.
His remains will be leaving the Porter Funeral Home at 1.30pm on Wednesday travelling to Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan.
Meanwhile, Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. If anybody travelled in that area around the time who had a dash cam are being asked to make the footage available to Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Buncrana Garda station on 074 932 0540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
