Carrickmacross crash victim was "honest" and "very holy"

THE late Fr Joe McCluskey who died in a fatal crash on the N2 between Castleblaney and Carrickmacross yesterday evening has been described as a “very holy man”.

Fr Larry Duffy in Carrickmacross told the Dundalk Democrat that Fr McCluskey was “a great servant of the church”.

He added that the 70-year-old crash victim was “honest and faithful” and liked to play “a little bit of golf and enjoyed playing cards”.

Fr McCluskey was the parish priest in Killanny and moved to the parish just two years ago. Originally from Raferagh just outside Carrickmacross, Fr McCluskey was ordained in 1964.

He served in a number of parishes but was based at St Mary's Church, Three Mile House in Monaghan for over 30 years.

Killanny man Seán Traynor, the father of Grace Traynor, a nine week old baby girl who was recently christened by Fr McCluskey said: “He was a very holy man and true to his word. He brought the traditional values of religion to Killanny.”

Fr McCluskey died in a fatal crash on the N2 between Castleblaney and Carrickmacross yesterday evening. The crash between a car and articulated lorry occurred shortly before 5pm.

Fr McCluskey was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses with relevant information to contact Carrickmacross Garda Station on 042-9690190