Both men lost their lives a three-vehicle crash on the R195 at Bellaney, around five miles outside Oldcastle, just after 4.30pm on Sunday
Mark ‘Beaver’ Eager and Stuart (Stuewy) O’Connell will both be laid to rest on Thursday following Funeral Mass in St Brigid’s Church, Oldcastle.
Both men lost their lives a three-vehicle crash on the R195 at Bellaney, around five miles outside Oldcastle, just after 4.30pm on Sunday.
On his death notice published on RIP.ie it states that Mark, of Stoney Road, Oldcastle, Co Meath (died) following a road traffic accident.
“Predeceased by his mother Ann,” the notice reads, “Mark will be sorely missed by his heartbroken children Rhys and Ruby, their mother Ann-Marie, father Joe, brother Jason (Aisling), sisters Joanne and Karen, nephews Killian, Aaron, Evan, J P and Odhran, nieces Ava, Chantelle, Makala, Hannah and Heidi, great nephew Noah, close family members and his wide circle of heartbroken friends.”
Stuart who was also from Oldcastle, Co Meath (died) “tragically following an accident”.
Stuart O’Connell
“Predeceased by his Dad Frank, Granny Mary, Grandad Larry and Uncle Paddy,” his notice reads. “Beloved son of Angela, brother of Ann Marie, David (Lisa), Malina and Pauric (Sarah).
“Stuart will be greatly missed by his loving partner Nikkol, sons Tyler and Theo, heartbroken mother, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, heartbroken friends and neighbours.”
Both men will be reposing at Gibney’s Funeral Home, Oldcastle on Wednesday from 4pm-7pm.
Funeral Mass will then take replace on Thursday in St Brigid’s Church, Oldcastle at 12 noon, followed by burial afterwards in the local cemetery.
In the condolences section for Mark, one person has left a message saying they were “deeply saddened” to hear of his passing, and “wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to Rhys and Ruby, Ann-Marie, Joe, Jason & Aisling, Joanne and Karen, Killian, Aaron, Evan, J.P and Odhran, Ava, Chantelle, Makala, Hannah and Heidi, Noah, and extended family.
“May Mark’s memory be a blessing.”
Another has offered: “Condolences to all the family members. May Mark rest in peace.”
For Stuart, one person has written to offer, “deepest sympathies to Angela, Buffy, Malina, David, Pauric, Nikkol and the kids, may he rest in peace.”
Another added that they were: “Deeply saddened to hear of Stuart’s passing, and wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to Angela, Ann Marie, David & Lisa, Malina, Pauric & Sarah, Nikkol, Tyler, Theo, and extended family.
Mark and Stuart, who were aged in their 30s and 40s respectively, were travelling in the direction of their home town when the crash happened. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other male motorcyclists were taken to Tallaght University Hospital and Cavan General Hospital for medical treatment following the crash with serious injuries.
Earlier, Local Sinn Fein TD Johnny Guirke who knew both men and said the town of Oldcastle was in shock after the deaths of Mr O’Connell and Mr Eager.
“I know the two lads, and they are two nice lads who are well got around the town. Everybody would know them and your heart would go out to them and to the families,” he said.
“They were lovely lads and good characters, it’s just so sad.
“It’s very, very sad, and hard on the town. Even the lads in the fire service here that would have went out to that accident, every single one of them would have known them. It’s an awful tragedy,” he added.
“We are thinking of the families and the firemen who also went out to the scene as every one of them would have known the two lads,” he added.
On Facebook, a member of the Eager family posted a tribute to the two men.
Mark Eager
“Unfortunately, today two best friends lost their lives in a road accident. They were fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, best of friends with everyone,” the message said, adding that “everyone has lost two great boys today. May they rest in peace.”
A long-time friend of Mr Eager’s paid a touching tribute to the “two motorbike legends.”
He said: “Tragedy struck the Oldcastle community Sunday evening last, as two men lost their lives in a road traffic accident, one of which was my friend for over 20 years Mark ‘Beaver Eager’ as we all knew him.
“A crazy, but kind soul, many a good mission and laugh we had Beaver, those memories will never leave me. You will definitely never be forgotten my old friend and you will be sadly missed by so many all over this Irish land.”
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to either incident to come forward.
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the R195 road at Bellaney, Oldcastle, Co Meath, between 4pm and 5pm on Sunday, July 28, 2024, are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were traveling on the R161 road between Navan and Trim, Co Meath, between 9:30pm and 10pm on Sunday, July 28, 2024, are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Navan garda station on 046 9079930, Kells Garda Station on 046 928 0820, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
