LAST UPDATE | 11 Mar 2020
THE VICTIM OF last night’s hit-and-run in Killiney, Dublin, has been named locally as special needs assistant Jacqueline McGovern who died after a getaway driver knocked her down following the robbery of a convenience store last night.
Ms McGovern (54) and her friend were out walking yesterday evening when a car used to flee the scene of a robbery at a nearby Centra crashed into the women who were out walking.
The victim worked at Our Lady of Good Counsel in the Johnstown area of south Dublin.
The school’s principal, Caroline Quinn, paid tribute to Ms McGovern.
The statement, issued through the Department of Education, reads: “We are devastated at the loss of our colleague who worked in one of our three classes for children with autism, and the injury of another staff member.
Today is about supporting each other, the children, and the school community. Our critical incident management plan is being implemented and we are supported in that through a team from the National Education Psychological Service.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of both colleagues.”
Fórsa, the union Ms McGovern belonged to, also expressed its deep shock at her passing.
The head of Fórsa’s Education Division, Andy Pike, said: “Our hearts go out to Jacqueline’s family and friends, and to the students and colleagues in her school community. We also hope for a speedy recovery for her colleague, another SNA injured in the incident.”
A statement from Centra on the Barnhill Road reads: “Our shop remained closed today as a mark of respect for the members of our community involved in the serious incident that occurred last night.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families involved. All the members of staff at the shop are deeply shocked and we are trying to come to terms with this tragedy.
“We thank the local community for the support and understanding they have shown to us today.
“As last night’s incident is now part of a Garda investigation, we are not participating in any interviews or making any further statements.”
Last night, three men entered the shop and threatened staff before making off with a sum of cash.
“They left the scene in a car that was involved in a collision with two female pedestrians’ moments later at the junction of Ballinclea Road and Avondale Road, Killiney,” a garda spokesperson said.
The men abandoned the car at the scene of the collision and fled on foot.
The men involved in the robbery and collision have not yet been located and searches in the area are continuing. Gardaí say no one was physically harmed in the raid.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and are particularly appealing to those with dashcam footage who were in the area between 9pm and 9.30pm to make it available to them.
Anyone who can assist with this investigation is asked to contact Dún Laoghaire Garda Station 01-6665000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
With reporting by Garreth MacNamee
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