LAST UPDATE | 8 Apr 2025

THE PEDESTRIAN WHO was killed in a fatal accident involving a tractor at Beaufort Bridge outside Killarney on yesterday evening has been named locally as 14-year-old Michael Coffey.

Michael was with a group of others including teenagers and his father fishing at the bridge over the Laune River, a popular angling spot just off the main Killarney to Killorglin Ring of Kerry Road.

It is understood he left the river bank and went onto the road to check on another person in a car.

Originally from Tralee where he attends school, the family are living temporarily in St Michael’s in Killarney, off the N22

Local councillor Martin Grady who knows the family said his heart went out to all people, including the driver of the tractor.

“Your heart goes out to all parties,” the independent Killarney councillor said.

His was the second young life lost in a short space of time on the roads, the councillor said.

“It was such an innocent activity, enjoying the fine evening, making the most of the fine evening, on a father and son outing with friends,” Mr Grady said.

He is organising a memorial this evening for the youth. 

The incident occurred at Beaufort Bridge, at approximately 7.30pm, gardai said.

The 14-year-old was pronounced deceased at the scene. His body was removed to University Hospital Kerry where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.The male driver of the tractor (aged in his 20’s) was uninjured.

The road was closed last night for technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, with local diversions in place.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward to Killarney Garda Station and and are asking those who were travelling in the area of Beaufort Bridge, Co. Kerry between 7pm and 7.45pm and who may have dashcam footage to contact them.