‘I’ve seen grown men cry today’

A close friend of beloved priest Fr Con Cronin has described how a silence fell over Passage West minutes before word of his death reached the town.

Local Councillor Marcia D’Alton told the Cork Independent that she was on the main street of Passage when the emergency vehicles sped past her on their way to Monkstown.

“They broke that silence, but then it came back. This happened three or four times and we knew something really bad had happened,” she said.

Describing Fr Con as a man who could turn a black day into a bright day, Cllr D’Alton said she had seen grown men cry as the news spread across the town.

“He might give someone a lift and wouldn't let them go without opening the boot and giving them a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine,” said the councillor. “Con was special and he was part of a jigsaw that's now just a little bit broken. He was my rock.”

Fr Con, who had been the curate for Passage West, Monkstown, Shanbally and Ringaskiddy for nine years, was tragically killed on Tuesday afternoon when a bus struck him as he crossed Strand Road in Monkstown with a friend.

It has been reported that the driver of the bus, Ballincollig native Mark Wills, had suffered a suspected heart attack while at the wheel, causing the bus to collide with some parked cars before striking Fr Con.

Mr Willis was another well-known figure in the area, having driven the number 216 bus route from CUH to Monkstown for many years.

“Fr Con would have wanted Mark to be remembered in the same way. We are quite a bus-dependent community, so Mark was well-known by users of the 216. He drove so many people safely for so many years. It’s so sad for him and his family,” said Cllr D’Alton.

Also paying tribute was Councillor Danny Collins who hails from Fr Con’s home town of Bantry where he said he had spoken with him only last Monday week.

“He only stopped at the door of my pub to wish me well for the reopening. He was a people’s person and he had a word for everyone,” he said.

Cllr Collins knew Fr Con for over 20 years but said he had really got to know him after he returned from Nigeria where he had spent 25 years helping communities.

“He was such a lovable character and he was very proud of his West Cork roots and his local GAA club Saint Colums. If there was ever a sporting event like a final, you’d always see Fr Con at the game,” he said.

On Tuesday evening a special candlelight vigil was held in Passage West for Fr Con and Mr Wills which was attended by friends and parishioners and local musicians.

In a statement released shortly after the news broke, Bishop of Cork and Ross Fintan Gavin said extended his heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Fr Con’s family.

“I pray for healing and peace for all who were injured and those who witnessed the accident. I wish to acknowledge the professionalism and kindness of the emergency services who attended the accident scene,” he said.

A statement released by Bus Éireann also extended sympathies to the family and friends of the two men and said that the company would be putting in place support measures for employees impacted.

Gardaí in Togher are appealing for any witnesses to the collision to come forward.