A south Armagh man has been arrested after a driver was killed during a police chase in Co Monaghan on Tuesday night.
Stephen Marron, 47, who was sitting in a parked Skoda Octavia in Castleblaney, died following a devastating collision.
The incident also saw a Garda officer dragged 500 metres by a speeding Audi.
Garda Michael Devlin, 31, sustained head, face and leg injuries.
The 34-year-old driver of the Audi, understood to be from the south Armagh area, was arrested at the scene.
The incident unfolded after Garda Devlin attempted to stop a car close to the town’s Garda station.
The Parish of Muckno, which covers Castleblayney, released a statement this afternoon.
“The priests and all the people of the Parish of Muckno are shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic death of Stephen Marron as a result of an incident on Main Street, Castleblayney last night.
“Stephen was an active member of our parish community, serving as assistant sacristan at St Mary’s Church, Castleblayney and St Patrick’s Church, Oram; serving too as a Minister of the Word at our liturgical gatherings and as well as helping the parish community in many other roles, including as a member of our Parish Safeguarding Committee.
“He was also a devoted member of the wider Castleblayney community, particularly through sports organisations. Above all, Stephen was a loving and devoted husband and father, a son, brother, and a good friend to many.
Speaking today, the Parish Priest of Muckno, Canon Shane McCaughey, said: “Stephen was the go-to-man for everyone in the community of Muckno parish. He was a disciple of Jesus Christ who asks his followers to love God and love neighbour.
“Stephen bore witness to his faith through the generosity and kindness that he showed to all who were in any kind of need. In the words of Scripture, “Let them rest from their labours, for their good deeds go with them” (Rev. 14:13).’.
“All of us in the parish pray that Stephen may now be in the eternal peace of Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord. We pray too for his wife, their children, his parents and sisters and his many friends; that the Lord may accompany them at this time.
“We also include in our prayers all who are affected by this tragedy; that the light of Jesus Christ may shine through the darkness of these times and lead us to the peace that can only come from He who is our light.
“Finally, we ask that the privacy of the Marron family be respected at this time. All media queries should be directed through the Diocese of Clogher Director of Communications. All details will be made available to the media in advance of the funeral in the usual way.”
Gardai have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
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