A YOUNG IRISH man was struck by a car and killed over the Easter holiday weekend in Australia.
Seamie Mulhern, originally from Attymass in Mayo, died in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to police in Melbourne.
The 25-year-old was hit by a car and was pronounced dead at the scene in the Box Hill area of the city. Investigators were told he was lying in the middle of Canterbury Road when the incident occurred.
Detectives say they are investigating all circumstances of the death, including why he may have been on the ground.
He had been on a night out with a friend before the tragedy took place.
The deceased, who had spent years living in Celbridge in county Kildare before emigrating, had moved to Australia six months ago.
He landed in Adelaide where he worked for four months before making his way to Sydney. He then took some shopfitting work in Melbourne, where he had been living in a short-term rental.
His brother and cousin have traveled to the city to make arrangements for the repatriation of his body.
And friends, some of whom are living in Australia, are hoping to help the family with the costs involved.
“For those who knew Seamie, he was the life and soul of any party. He was always smiling and that laugh brought smiles to all around him. But above all, Seamie was a great friend to us all,” they said on an online fundraising page.
Sadhbh O’Shaughnessy, who had returned to Ireland from Australia for a holiday last weekend, told TheJournal.ie that Seamie’s friends in both Attymass and Celbridge are organising fundraising events.
“We are going to try do as much we can. As well as the €18,000 to €20,000 to bring him home, they will have expenses over there – flights, accommodation, car rental,” she said.
Tributes for the young man, who was an accomplished guitar player, have been pouring in on social media sites.
“Seamie Mulhern left a mark on every person whos path he crossed, he would lift your spirits with his dimpled smile and his daft laugh on your darkest day,” said one.
Another added:
I can’t believe this has happened what an incredibly painful loss of an immensely funny man.so so sad to hear this xx
A fun run is being held this Sunday in Enniscrone. For more details, click here. To donate, follow this link.
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