HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for a “wonderful” man who sadly lost his life in a road tragedy earlier this week.
Michael Toland, who was aged in his 80s, was out walking near his home in Co Donegal at around 6:20pm on Wednesday when he was struck by a van.
Emergency services rushed to the scene of the crash at Annagh Crossroads on the R238 road but it is understood that Michael sadly passed away at the scene.
The popular pension has been remembered as the “beloved” husband of Frances, “loving father” of Michael, Martin and Gerard and a “much-loved” grandad and father-in-law.
Heartbreaking tributes have poured in for Michael, who has been remembered as a “kind and gentle soul”, as the community struggles to cope with the shock of the tragedy.
One person said: “Heartfelt sympathies to all the family especially Mrs. Toland and Mick, Denise & all the extended Toland family on the loss of Michael.
“Cherish the memories of happy times together and relish in the wonderful stories that are regaled of times past. May God comfort and console you all at this time and may Michael’s soul now rest in the eternal peace of heaven.”
Another mourner added: “Michael was a wonderful man and may his gentle soul rest in peace.”
A third said: “Michael was an absolute gentleman and will be dearly missed.”
Yesterday, the public expressed their frustration at the high number of deaths on the county’s roads in recent weeks.
The number of people who have lost their lives on the roads of Donegal now sits at 15 – compared to a figure of 10 for all of 2023.
Taking to social media, one person said: “So bloody unnecessary. Just devastating. There seems to be an unbelievable amount of road deaths on Donegal roads lately. This is just so sad.”
Another added: “Something badly wrong on them roads. Heartbreaking to hear nearly every other week.”
Michael’s remains are reposing at his home in Clonmany. It has been confirmed that one-way system is operational.
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His funeral will leave from his home tomorrow at 10:30am, going to St Mary’s Church, Clonmany, for mass at 11am.
There will be a burial afterwards in the new cemetery.
Mourners have been told to note it is family flowers only and the house will be private from 10pm tonight until 11am on the morning of the funeral.
Gardai have urged members of the public who may have any information on the crash to come forward.
A Garda spokesperson said: “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 Gardai.
“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.”
