Tributes have been paid to Michael Toland who died after being struck by a van in Donegal

Much-loved Clonmany pensioner Michael Toland, who was tragically killed in a road traffic collision close to his home on Wednesday, has been remembered as a wonderful craftsman.

Mr Toland, a father-of-three who was aged in his 80s died after being struck by a van at Annagh crossroads, in Donegal at around 6.20pm on Wednesday.

Heartbroken family and friends gathered for his funeral Mass on Saturday morning at St Mary's Church in Clonmany, a Church he frequented in what Fr Karl Haan called “a wonderfully-lived and faithfully-lived life”.

Fr Haan likened Mr Toland's death to a sudden storm. His death left the community numbed and helpless.

“One minute we are going about our everyday business and the next minute everything stops,” Fr Haan said. “One minute the sun is shining and the next its a dark night without the slightest warning; we are plunged into this darkness. There is a sense in this community that Michael's death might be a bit like that.”

He is the 15th person to lose their life on Donegal's roads so far in 2024 – five more than in the whole of 2023 – and the sixth in the last month.
Mr Toland is survived by his beloved wife Frances – his soulmate whom he married in 1975, mourners heard - children Michael, Martin and Gerard, grandchildren and a circle of family and friends.
The tragic collision occurred closed to his home at Annagh, Clonmany.
“He was very loved,” Fr Haan said, adding that the tributes paid in the locality have helped to paint a word picture.

“His workmanship and craftsmanship and his passion for building and the great pride he would take in his work,” Fr Haan recalled. “So many can speak about the quality of the work he brought to their homes and the presence that he brought to their homes.”

Mr Toland, a keen player of the piano accordion also had a strong love of nature and was passionate about cars and lorries.

“Michael was a wonderful craftsman and a wonderful builder, but one of the most precious things that he built was the place in his heart for his grandchildren,” Fr Haan told the large congregation. “He built it with all of his love.”

Gardaí continue to appeal for any witnesses to Wednesday's collision to come forward.
A Garda spokesperson told Donegal Live: “Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating 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.”