Michelle O’Neill leads tributes to man who was killed in A5 crash

By Cate McCurry (PA)

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill has led tributes to a man who was killed in a crash on the A5.

Caolan Devlin, from Coalisland in Co Tyrone, died after his BMW collided with a lorry on the Curr Road section of the A5 between Omagh and Ballygawley on Tuesday evening.

The 30-year-old was a brother of Tyrone senior footballer Niall Devlin.

Ms O’Neill has said the community is heartbroken at the death.

“I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn that Caolan Devlin tragically died in a collision on the A5 on Tuesday night,” Ms O’Neill said.

“Firstly, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Caolan’s parents Margaret and Gerard, his brother Niall, and the entire Devlin and Cullen families as they come to terms with this unimaginable loss today.

“An entire community is heartbroken today. We will all gather around to support Caolan’s family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.

“I want to thank the emergency services who attended the scene and for all their efforts, and I would urge people to assist a request from the police for dashcam footage to be brought forward.”

The A5 has been the subject of calls for improvement due to the high volume of fatal collisions on the route, which links Londonderry with Aughnacloy.

Ms O’Neill said another family has been left in mourning.

“This is a sad reminder of why we need to urgently upgrade this dangerous road to save lives now,” the Sinn Fein minister said.

“I am appealing directly to those who are opposed to this road to withdraw their objections. There can be no more delay in building the A5.

“Caolan was a much-loved young man with a bright future ahead of him, well known and liked, particularly within the local GAA community, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said: “I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Caolan who lost his life in a road traffic collision on the A5 last night.

“My thoughts are also with the driver of the other vehicle who will also have been severely impacted by this tragic incident.

“Too many lives have been cut short or forever changed by serious injury as a result of road traffic collisions on the A5 and too many families are living with the devastating consequences.

“I have met with grieving families and witnessed their heartache at first-hand and I have assured them that my top priority is to progress the A5.

“Yesterday in the Assembly chamber, members discussed the importance of the A5 in improving road safety and helping to save lives. It is heart-breaking to see that within a few short hours another life was lost on that road and another family is grieving a loved one.

“I am determined to do all that I can to progress this crucial project before more lives are lost. I am calling on those who are opposed to this road to withdraw their objections.”

Caolan was a hurler for Naomh Colum Cille and a former player for Coalisland Na Fianna GAA club.

In a social media post, Na Fianna said: “At tragic and difficult times like this, we need to stand by Caolan’s parents, brother, friends and entire family circle through the difficult days, weeks and months ahead.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Devlin family at this difficult time.”

Caolan Devlin Caolan Devlin died in a crash on the A5 between Omagh and Ballygawley.

MAIN PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN INSET PIC: Naomh Colum Cille HC