Tributes pour in as accident victim named

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to the late Clarence Farrell of Crossakiel, who died followng a collision in Athboy in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Mr Farrell, a well known mechanic based in Athboy died after the vehicle he was driving was in collision with a premises in Athboy at about 2am on Sunday morning.

Mr Farrell of The Cairns, Crossakiel, was very popular in the Athboy and Crossakiel communities. He was pre-deceased by his father Vincent and is survived by his heartbroken family, his wife Catherine, children Jack, Emily and Rocco, his mother Kathleen, sisters Felicity (Pat) and Karen (George), brother Terry (Anna), nephews Caleb and Ryan, extended family and wide circle of friends.

The Farrell family has extended their heartfelt gratitude to the National Ambulance Service Paramedics and An Garda Síochána who attended to Clarence on Sunday morning.

Gardai are investigating the single vehicle accident. The body was removed from the scene to the mortuary at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan for a post mortem and the road was closed for a period for a technical examination and local diversions were in place.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to come forward.

Road users who were in the area of Connaught Street, Athboy, in the early hours of Sunday 20th September 2026 between 1:45am and 2:15am and who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make it available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kells Garda Station on 046 928 0820, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Tributes have been pouring in as the shocked local communities responded to his death.

"So sad to hear the news about poor Clarence, what a gentleman he was. I think every person in Athboy town has had a heart to heart conversation with him over the years. He will be missed by everyone," said one mourner on RIP.

"He was one of the most pleasant calm and friendly people that I have ever met. When I would call to see him in Athboy he would spend a long time chatting with me in fine detail about the craziness of the modern motor vehicle and times past. Even though he would be under time pressure himself he would always make time to chat, In the 38 years that I have known him I never ever seen him angry or annoyed, and I never ever heard him say a bad word about anybody, I am truly heartbroken writing this this morning," said another.

He was described as "One of life's true gentlemen, always a kind word and always there to help. We knew you as a customer, as a mechanic fixing what appeared impossible, but above all as a friend ready to have a chat and a laugh. Dear Clarence rest in eternal peace."

Another said ""There are no words to describe Clarence, he was a great friend to everyone. Unbelievable that he will no longer be with us,"

Clarence was remembered as "real gentle giant", a wonderful, kind hearted man, a highly respected mechanic in our local community and, above all, an absolute gentleman and a genius with mechanics.