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Connor McNeill: Glenarm man dies and two young children in hospital
after Broughshane crash
(HTM) Source
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Connor McNeill, 41, from the Glenarm area, was pronounced dead at the
scene of the crash in Broughshane village shortly before 3.30pm on
Tuesday.
Mr Mc Neill was a life-long member of Shane O'Neill's hurling club,
Glenarm, who in an online tribute said they were "deeply saddened" at
his loss.
"Connor was a dedicated member of our club, a true gael and a great
friend. He undertook many roles within our club - a player, coach,
mentor and senior manager, as well as referee," they said.
"An absolute gentleman who played for Shane Uí Néill since his early
childhood and served our club with distinction, and wore our club
jersey with immense pride.
"Connor's sad passing will be a huge loss to his family, friends, club
and community. We will treasure all the memories for years to come.
"To his wife Emma, their children Lucy and Ollie, and all of the
McNeill family circle we extend our deepest sympathies at this very
sad time."
Connor was also an avid football fan and his local club, Carnlough
Swifts, paid tribute to him online.
"It is with a very heavy heart that we announce we have lost a Swifts
legend, a good friend, a daddy, a husband, an uncle, a brother and a
son.
"Connor McNeill was tragically taken from us yesterday in a car
accident," they said.
The club passed on their condolences to the man's family.
"Our deepest sympathy goes to Connor's two beautiful children, Lucy
and Ollie, and his wife Emma.
"Also to his father Hugh, brothers Mark, Seamus, Dan and Hugh Pat and
his sister Annette and also to the wider McNeill family," they said.
The Carnlough Swifts thanked Connor for all the support he provided
the team with over the years.
"Connor was a legend with the Swifts and was an integral part of every
trophy won in the last 15 years.
"Everyone in the village and surrounding area will miss Connor's
personality, warmth and sporting opinion."
Local politicians have also paid tribute to Mr McNeill.
Sinn Féin Councillor James McKeown passed on his condolences to the
family.
"I knew Connor, he was a great young man. He was big into his sport,
in his GAA and soccer, he was actually just back from a trip to
America with the Shane Ui Neill GAA team.
"It's just such a tragedy, he will be sorely missed in the community,"
he said.
McKeown described Connor as a 'family man'.
"He was dedicated to his wife Emma and their two children, I can only
pass on my sympathies to them, he really was a fine young man," he
said.
On behalf of the Mid and East Antrim Ulster Unionist Council group,
Alderman Maureen Morrow expressed her condolences to Connor's family.
"As a party group, we wish to express our deepest sympathy to the
McNeill family. This accident is an absolute tragedy. A family has
been devastated and the community has lost a very much valued member.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Connor's immediate family and
friends. I pray that the two children will make a speedy recovery.
"We would like to praise the emergency services who attended the scene
and our thoughts are with them also," she said.
DUP Councillor Angela Smyth urged anyone with information surrounding
the crash to contact the PSNI.
"It's absolutely devastating, my thoughts and prayers are with the
family and I would encourage anyone with information to come forward,"
she said.
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan said the community has been left
"heartbroken" by the tragic death.
"It's tragic to learn that a man has been killed in a road traffic
collision near Broughshane and my thoughts are with his family and
friends," he said.
"The local community of Glenarm and further afield have been left
heartbroken by this accident and will rally around to support the
family in what will be difficult days to come.
"I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services for all their
efforts and for attending the scene."
Connor was driving a grey Nissan X-Trail on the Carnlough Road when it
left the carriageway shortly before 3.30pm on Tuesday.
Two young children, both passengers in the car, were taken to hospital
where they remain receiving treatment for injuries which are not
believed to be life-threatening.
PSNI Collision Investigation Unit Inspector Adair said: "Carnlough
Road was closed for a number of hours following the collision and has
now re-opened.
"An investigation is underway and I would ask anyone travelling in the
area at the time of the collision to review any dash-cam footage they
may have captured and make contact with the PSNI Collision
Investigation Unit at Sprucefield by calling 101, quoting reference
number 1089 07/05/24."
"You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting
form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/."
News Catch Up: Tuesday 7th May 2024
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