Tipperary GAA postpones annual convention and pays ‘heartfelt & sincere’ tribute to families of those killed in crashes
Gardai have launched an investigation into the crashes
TIPPERARY GAA postponed its annual convention as a mark of respect to those killed in a pair of road crashes over the weekend.
The event was due to take place on Sunday night, but for the county board to decide to call it off.
It comes after a pair of unrelated crashes claimed the lives of three men in the county.
A statement from Tipperary GAA said: “Tipperary GAA wish to extend its heartfelt and sincere sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in Tipperary this weekend.”
Amongst those who died was David Lahart, a 19-year-old who passed away after a four-vehicle crash.
The teenager from Killenaule, Co Tipperary, died alongside his friend Gediminas Urbonas, 21, in a horror collision at Killeen in Ballinunty on Saturday.
The two men, who were travelling in the same car, were sadly pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which took place shortly before 6pm.
David will be sadly missed by his heartbroken parents Ashling and Paudie and his siblings Megan, Rachel, Alex, Amber and Leah.
He will also be fondly remembered by his special nephew Jayden, loving grandparents Ned and Christine, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a wide circle of friends.
The heartbroken family of the well-known GAA man have confirmed his funeral will take place this week following his sudden death.
David will repose at O’Connell’s Funeral Home Killenaule this Tuesday evening, December 16 from 4.30pm.
His funeral mass will take place the following day, Wednesday, at 11.30am in St Mary’s Church Killenaule on Wednesday.
The service will be followed by a burial in Crosscannon Cemetery.
Tipperary GAA’s tribute added: “In particular our thoughts are with County Board Treasurer Eleanor Lahart and her family at this very sad and difficult time.
“As a mark of respect, tonight’s Tipperary GAA Convention has been postponed and will now take place at a later date.”
The family of the young player are well-known in the Tipperary GAA community, prompting an outpouring of support from various clubs.
Local club Killenaule GAA Robins, where both David and his father played said their “hearts are heavy”.
The club said: “The club is mourning the loss of past player David Lahart.
“Our hearts are heavy after a tragic weekend that saw young lives lost on roads far too soon.
“As a community, we stand together in solidarity with his family, friends, and former teammates, taking this time to remember and reflect.”
‘GONE WAY TOO SOON’
And wider tributes have poured in for the young GAA player, with mourners describing him as a “loveable rogue”.
The teenager’s former school described the passing as “deeply tragic”.
They said: “The Board of Management, staff, pupils and wider school community extend their deepest and most sincere sympathies to the Lahart and Morris families on the untimely passing of David, a past pupil of our school.
“David’s death is a profound loss to his family and to the wider community, and the passing of such a young man is deeply tragic. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this heart breaking time.”
A mourner close to the family paid tribute to the 19-year-old in an emotional message saying: “An honest, loveable rogue.
“Sending all the love and strength in the world to your Mam, nephew who you absolutely adored and always spoke about, and extended family.
“You will be sorely missed in our house David.”
Another mourner added: “Rest in peace David, you were a lovely soul and was taken too soon.”
A third said: “I have memories of referring games David was playing in as a young child and teenager at underage level. Gone way to soon.”
And another added: “David was a lovely lad always smiling. He will be sorely missed by us all .”
GARDA PROBE
Two women, both aged in their 20s and travelling in a second car, were taken by ambulance to Tipperary University Hospital in Clonmel for injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
Six other people were medically assessed at the scene and did not require immediate hospital treatment.
Gardai have launched an investigation into the crash and urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward and assist in the probe.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Investigating Gardai are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.
