Tributes for tragic young driver
Daryl Shaw, 28, died in the one-vehicle collision on the Newcastle Road in Castlewellan at around 1.45am yesterday.
A range of shocked friends paid tribute to him on social media. It was the second road tragedy in 24 hours, as 20-year-old Ashley James from Dungannon died after his car was in collision with plant machinery on the Derryanvil Road outside Portadown on Thursday around 10am.
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Hide AdSouth Down MP Margaret Ritchie offered her condolences to Mr Shaw’s family and friends, saying his life had been “tragically cut short”.
She added: “The shock and grief of his loved ones can only be immeasurable, and I know that the community will provide support at this difficult time.
“Tragically the roads have claimed another young life, and this is yet another tragic death that will bring enormous suffering.”
Independent Newry Mourne and Down District councillor for Castlewellan, Patrick Clarke, said he knew Mr Shaw’s parents and would be visiting them this weekend in Castlewellan.
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Hide AdHe added: “At this most difficult time I would like to offer my heartfelt deepest sympathy and prayers to both Michael and Lucy Shaw, the Shaw family, and friends of the Daryl Shaw.”
Sinn Fein MLA Chris Hazzard said the death was a tragedy.
“It has shocked and saddened the local community,” he said. “I send my condolences to the family and friends of this young man at this sad and difficult time.”
There were also a string of tributes to Mr Shaw on Facebook.
A friend living in Melbourne, Chris McMullan, said: “Good people only die young and Daryl Shaw was one of a kind. Always up for the craic never a dull moment.”
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Hide AdThe pair always had good “craic” when McMullan visited home, he added.
Denis Smyth wrote: “RIP big lad” and offered his condolences to the Shaw family, describing Daryl as “such a cool bloke”.
Nathan Murray from Dundrum posted that he “can’t believe that sad news” while David Kelly added that he was “so sad” to hear Daryl had passed away.
Kirsten Michelle described the news as “heartbreaking” while Sophie Rogan said her thoughts and prayers were with the Shaw family, describing Daryl as “such a lovely fella”.
Police have appealed for witnesses to the accident to come forward and contact the PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit on tel 101.