A south Armagh man who died following a two-vehicle collision on the Dundalk–Castleblayney Road on Monday night has been named locally as Cathal Nolan from Crossmaglen.
Cathal, who was in his 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which involved a car and a van at Rassan, Hackballscross, shortly after 10.15pm.
The other driver, a woman in her 20s, was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. Her injuries are understood to be non life-threatening.
News of Cathal’s sudden passing has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the community.
One friend described him as “a lovely man, great character, loved the craic, he will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace.”
Another said: “Cathal was one of life’s gentlemen, full of craic and fun. He would never pass you by without a smile and a laugh. Condolences to all who knew and loved him. Rest in peace Cathal.”
A further tribute read: “So very sad. Cathal always had time for a craic with everyone. Rest in peace.”
Cathal was the beloved husband of Geraldine and devoted father of Lynda, Karen and Steven. He was a dear father-in-law to Derek and a cherished grandfather to Alyssa, Aoife, Kayleigh, Callum, Cailean, Caoimhe, Dylan, Ross, Niamh and Ryan.
He was predeceased by his parents Maisie and Shaun Nolan (Carrickmacross) and his sister Geraldine. He is lovingly remembered by his brothers Kevin, Dessie and Aidan, and his sisters Eleanor, Bernie and Irene, as well as by the wider Nolan and Byrne families, neighbours and many friends.
Removal from McConville’s Funeral Home, O’Fiaich Square, will take place at 6pm on Wednesday evening, walking to his home at 71 Lismore, Crossmaglen. Visitors are welcome from 5.30pm to pay their respects.
Wake visiting times are Wednesday from 7pm–9pm and Thursday from 12 noon–9pm. The family has requested that the house remain strictly private at all other times.
His funeral will take place on Friday, April 10, leaving his home at 10.40am – house strictly private on the morning of the funeral – walking to St Patrick’s Church, Crossmaglen, for Requiem Mass at 11am. The Mass will be live-streamed via the parish webcam at www.uppercreggan.co.uk, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Cathal is deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife, children, son-in-law, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family circle, neighbours and many friends.
Enquiries to McConville Funeral Directors, established 1830, Tel: 028 3086 1212.
