'A life-force': Communities united in grief after latest tractor tragedy on Irish roads

Tributes have been pouring in from Clare, Limerick and around the world for a 'pleasant, kind and witty' man who died after he was struck by a tractor near his home in County Clare at the weekend.

Named locally as Brendan Roche of Ballymulcashel, Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge, the father-of-four was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident which happened shortly after 10am on Saturday.

Originally from Abbeyfeale in west Limerick, Mr Roche had lived in Clare for most of his life and was heavily involved in the local community.

A keen golfer, he was a founding member of the Kilmurry Harvest Festival and was a well-liked volunteer at Sixmilebridge GAA's weekly Bingo, which was cancelled on Monday as a mark of respect.

"If you didn't win on the night he still made sure you left with a smile on your face with his quick humour and infectious smile," read a tribute from the club.

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Dozens of tributes from those who knew Brendan, who was aged in his 60s, have been posted online from as far away as Sydney and New York while former colleagues at Lufthansa Technik Turbine Shannon have also expressed their shock and sadness.

"I was devastated to learn of Brendan's tragic death. He was a wonderful colleague and friend during my time in LTTS. It was a privilege to have worked with him. He was kind and thoughtful and always so generous with his time and expertise. He was so much fun and a great man to keep in touch. I will miss his friendship and never forget his wonderful heart," wrote one former colleague. 

Abbeyfeale-based councillor Liam Galvin, who was a close friend of Brendan Roche, says he was a gentleman and that he was shocked when he learned of his death. "Matter of fact, I only met Brendan a number of weeks ago when he was in Abbeyfeale. He came to visit his mother, his elderly mother Mai," he said.

"Mai would be up in 90 years of age but she's going around like a 19-year old. It's just so sad. You know, it's just sad. He was a good friend of mine. It's just heart-breaking really. I was in Dublin at the hurling match on Saturday when I got the phone call. To be quite honest, it ruined the day. It is just so so so sad like. His three sons and daughter, his wife, my heart just goes out to them," he added. 

Ahead of Mr Roche's funeral, which takes place this Wednesday, many friends, colleagues and acquaintances have taken to RIP.ie to express their condolences. 

"To Brendan’s family and loved ones. My deepest sympathies on hearing this very sad news. I first met Brendan over twenty five years ago and in LTTS and every time our paths crossed since, he remained one of the warmest, most sincere and good humoured people you could possibly meet."

Another message reads: "Brendan was a life-force and will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace and may all of his family find peace after his tragic and sudden loss."

Funeral details have been announced for Brendan Roche who is survived by his wife Eleanor and children Ellen, Aoife, Cathal and Ailíse.

He will repose in St Mary's Church, Kilmurry from 6pm to 8pm this Tuesday and his funeral Mass will take place at 11am on Wednesday in St Mary's Church. Burial will follow afterwards in Kilmurry Cemetery. 

Gardai in Ennis are investigating Saturday's fatal incident and they are appealing to any witnesses or any motorists who may have been travelling in the area around the time and who may have dash-cam footage to make it available to them.