Longford crash victim set to be buried in Poland as tributes to ‘kind’ father

HEARTBREAKING tributes have been paid to a man who “has a kind soul” after he tragically lost his life in a horror crash in Co Longford.

Damian Machnowski passed away at the scene when the car he was driving struck a wall in Ballymanhon on Monday, July 8.

There were no other vehicles involved in the incident and Damian, who was the driver and sole passenger of the car, sadly passed away despite efforts of emergency services at the scene.

His body was taken to Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar, Co Westmeath for a post-mortem examination.

Gardai are investigating the fatal road crash, which marked the 97th death on Irish roads so far this year.

He has been remembered as a “kind and helpful” father and husband to Anna, his daughter Sophia and his son Alex.

Damian was employed as a factory worker at Ronaynes Wood Products, a local timber manufacturer.

A notice online reads: “Formerly Śmiardowo Krajeńskie Poland. Damian passed away tragically following a car accident on the 8th July 2024.

“Fondly remembered by his heartbroken wife Anna, his daughter Sophia and his son Alex, his mother Alicja and his sisters Honorata, Kamila and Dominika, his mother-in-law Lidia, sisters-in-law Daria and Justyna, brothers-in-law Sebastian and Tomasz and all extended family members.”

The local community was left devastated after hearing the news of his tragic death, with many flocking to pay tribute to the “highly thought of and hard worker”.

One mourner said: “Sincere condolences to Anna, Sophia, Alex and extended families on the sad passing of Damien.

“May his gently soul rest in heavenly peace. Rest easy Damien.”

Another mourner said: “Deepest sympathy to Anna Sophia Alex and the extended families on the tragic passing of Damian.

“Thank you Damian for being such a kind and helpful neighbour to me. Rest easy now in the arms of the angels.”

Another person added: “May he rest in peace. He will be so greatly missed.”

The fourth person said: Our sincere condolences to Anna, Sophia, Alex, his Mother, sisters and extended families and his very close and dear friends, on his tragic death.

“Our loss is Heavens gain. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Damian’s burial

Damian’s funeral mass took place yesterday at 5pm in St Matthew’s Church in Ballymahon.

A funeral mass and burial will take place in his home town in Poland at a later date.

In a separate message for Polish family members, the translated message reads: “It is with deep regret that we announce that Damian Machnowski died on July 8 at the age of 39.

“Farewell and prayer will begin in the church of St. Matthew Church on July 10 at 5 p.m.

“Funeral ceremonies and burial will take place in Poland. This is what the grieving family informs.”