Two counties grieve for trio killed in car crash tragedy
Darren O'Connor (17), a son of international golfer Christy O'Connor junior, his friend David Quinn (18) of Rahoon and supermarket proprietor Michael Hynes, in his early 40s from Miltown Malbay, were all killed in the crash on a straight stretch of road about 300 yards on the Limerick side of Kilcolgan village.
Driving conditions had been ``very poor'' after a day of fine rain.
Yesterday it emerged the two teenagers were travelling back to Galway from Killarney when the accident occurred just a short distance from the O'Connor home at Kilcolgan.
Darren was driving his family's BMW with his friend alongside him in the front passenger seat. Their car collided head-on with an Isuzu Trooper jeep being driven by Mr Hynes towards Ennis after picking up supplies for his supermarket at a Galway wholesalers.
DIED AT SCENE
David Quinn and the Londis store owner died at the scene. Darren O'Connor was pronounced dead at University College Hospital, Galway shortly after being rushed there by ambulance.
Christy O'Connor junior dashed to Galway after hearing the grim news in Dublin.
Darren, also survived by his mother Anne, brother Nigel (19) and sister Aine (21), was an outstanding young golfer who only recently received his Leaving Cert results. He and David Quinn had been preparing for their future education over the last week.
David is survived by his father Gus, mother Deirdre and brothers Alan and Evan. Michael Hynes is survived by his wife, Ann, and four children.
The funeral removals of all three crash victims take place this evening, with the burials taking place tomorrow morning.
Galway Bay Golf and Country Club, designed by Christy O'Connor, jnr and where the O'Connor family played golf, will close as a mark of respect tomorrow.
- BRIAN McDONALD in Galway
