Man killed in Kerry crash was retired Commandant of the Irish Army

The man has been named locally as Traolach Sweeney who was much loved member in his adopted community in Caherdaniel where he had lived for many years.

He was a member of the 45th battalion and was a Commandant with the Irish Defence Forces and served for a time as a Commanding officer in Ballymullen in Tralee.

He spent much of his life in Kildare but growing up had spent time in Kerry too. His late father was a Colonel in the Army and the family holidayed in The Glen.

Traolach had made Caherdaniel his home for many years and had been hugely involved in the local community in Caherdaniel and Sneem. In fact he is well-know as a founder of SCC broadband (Sneem Castlecove Caherdaniel) providing broadband to the rural area – many years before multi-nationals were doing so. He was also involved with the origins of the Sneem Digital Hub.

His business partner and close friend, Pat Casey, paid tribute to Traolach on his sad death.

“Traolach was a pillar of the community and a gentleman. I was privileged to have him as a friend and a business partner .He would help any person in need, and would never let the dust settle and was always out either climbing mountains or out at sea. He will be thoroughly missed by all,” he said.

In his military career he was an Army Ranger and a French Interpreter. He was also a distinguished mountaineer have braved some of the toughest climbs around the world. He was also a sub aqua diver and in fact for many years took people diving in South Kerry through his local business.

In his personal life he was an accomplished violin player.

Locals have said he was a quiet unassuming man who was much respected and loved and his death has caused wide-spread shock across the community and amongst his former colleagues.

He is survived by his wife Ina and two children Aisling and Peter.

Shortly after 6pm, gardaí and emergency services responded to the single-vehicle road traffic collision involving a van on the Ring of Kerry (N70) at Coad near Caherdaniel. Mr Sweeney was pronounced dead at the scene.

The scene was preserved for examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and the local Coroner has been notified. The road has now re-opened.

His death brings the total number of road deaths so far this year to 102.

The deceased has been removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Kerry, where a post-mortem examination will be arranged.

Investigating gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Additionally, they are requesting those with camera footage, including motorists with dashcam from the area at the time, to make it available to them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station 064 667 1160 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.