LAST UPDATE | 3 Aug 2021

THE PEDESTRIAN WHO was killed after a bus veered out of control in Co Cork has been named as local priest Father Con Cronin.

Fr Cronin was hit by the bus moments before it crashed into a wall and parked cars on the Strand Road in Monkstown at 1.30pm today.

The bus driver, a man aged in his 50s, was also killed in the incident.

Gardaí are investigating whether the driver of the bus may have suffered a medical emergency while driving and lost control of the vehicle, leading to the collision.

Bishop Fintan Gavin of the Diocese of Cork and Ross said there was “utter shock and sadness” at the “untimely” death of Fr Cronin.

Fr Cronin, who was originally from west Cork, had celebrated 40 years in ministry in 2019.

Since his ordination in 1979, he had served in the Kiltegan Fathers Missions and worked for a time in Nigeria and in Scotland before returning to Co Cork in 2004.

In 2012, he was seconded to the Diocese of Cork and Ross and began working in Passage West and Monkstown parish – just a few kilometres from where he died today.

A view of the crash from across the harbour. Niall O'Connor / The Journal Niall O'Connor / The Journal / The Journal

Bishop Fintan Gavin said in a statement that all who knew Fr Con “are grateful for having known him and our diocese is blessed that he ministered among us”.

He will be remembered fondly for his unique sense of humour and his openness to all people.

“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go to Fr Con’s family, his wide circle of friends, parishioners and his fellow priests in the St Patrick’s Missionary Society, Kiltegan, as well as the priests of the Diocese of Cork and Ross.

“This tragic accident also leaves another family mourning the loss of a loved one and I extend my prayerful support to his family also.”

The Bishop prayed for those who witnessed the incident, and acknowledged the work of the emergency services who attended the scene.

Niall O'Connor / IWDG Niall O'Connor / IWDG / IWDG

A spokesperson for Bus Éireann has sent their condolences to the family and friends to the people who died in the crash. 

Stephen Kent, CEO of Bus Éireann said the bus driver was a “a long-standing and greatly valued employee based at the Capwell Depot.

“This is a very tragic event. This is a terrible and sad day for everyone at Bus Éireann, and we are all heavy-hearted.

“Our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by this loss. We would like sincerely to thank the emergency services for all their work and assistance today and our own employees who responded at the scene.”

Bus Éireann said it is putting in place support measures for employees impacted.

The company said the vehicle involved was a single deck city bus, registered in 2016. Gardaí have confirmed to Bus Éireann there were no other injuries. 

“Safety has always been Bus Éireann’s priority and the company is also investigating the accident, and cooperating fully with the relevant authorities,” a company spokesperson added. 

The road has reopened after being closed earlier to allow for a technical examination of the scene.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to come forward.

Any road users who were travelling on the Strand Road between 1.15pm and 1.45pm this afternoon, and who may have camera footage, including dash cam, are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Togher Garda Station on 021 494 7120, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.