Tributes to 90 year-old hero who died saving woman's life in Cork car park crash

Cal O'Keeffe, 90, was killed when he was struck by a car in a supermarket car park in Fermoy, Co Cork, on Friday morning

Cork is mourning the loss of a 90 year old man who died while trying to save a woman's life during a car collision. Cal O'Keeffe from Glanworth was struck by a car in a supermarket car park along Courthouse Road in Fermoy at 11.15am on Friday.

Two other individuals, the driver of the car, also in his 90s, and a woman in her 60s, needed medical attention following the incident. Witnesses reported seeing Cal push the woman out of the way of the vehicle, an act which former Cork County Mayor Frank O'Flynn believes "may have saved her life".

The woman sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to CUH. Cal was declared dead at the scene.

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The retired farmer and teacher, who once served as principal at St. Patrick's National School in Glanworth, leaves behind his wife and four children.

Cllr. O'Flynn described a 'heavy cloud' over Fermoy and Glanworth as they mourn the loss of the well-known local who 'loved life' and was 'always in great form', reports Cork Beo.

The former County Mayor, who was Cal's neighbour and long-time friend, said: "It's a very, very sad time for the community. Cal was a great parishioner and always very friendly to everyone he met. He enjoyed life, was a big family man and was exceptionally well-known in the area.

"It's such a tragic incident for someone who was just going about their grocery shopping. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time, and with the other people who were injured in the incident."

Gardaí are still on the hunt for witnesses to the harrowing collision that took place yesterday. They're making an urgent call to any pedestrians who were near Courthouse Road in Fermoy between 10.45am and 11.30am on Friday October 18 to come forward.

They're also keen to hear from drivers or anyone with camera footage, including dash-cams, who were in the area at the time. If you have any information that could help, you're urged to get in touch with Fermoy Garda Station at 025 82100, ring the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or contact any Garda Station.

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