Heartbreaking tributes to ‘wonderful grandad who brought love’ after tragic Kilkenny road accident victim, 70, pictured

Heartbreaking tributes have poured in for a pensioner who died in a car crash this week after details of his funeral were confirmed.

John Dollard, 70, from Kilmacow in County Kilkenny, was the driver of the vehicle that crashed on the R448 near Smithstown in Mullinavat in Kilkenny at around 9.30am on Monday, September 30.

He is survived by his children Kevin, John, Frank and Mary.

Mr Dollard, of Dangan in Kilmacow, is a widower and his wife Margaret is deceased.

Locals said he was a gentleman and worked as an excise officer in customs and excise for many years.

In a heartfelt tribute, his cousin Father Patrick Walsh, who lives at St Vincent’s Parish in Sheffield, said: “To John’s immediate and extended family. I am very sorry to hear of the sudden passing of John, my first cousin.”

“I last met him in February 2023 and he was in good spirits.

“I will be saying a special mass for him here in Sheffield, for the happy rest of his soul and indeed for all he leaves behind.”

“May the Lord comfort them in their grief.”

Friends also paid tribute. One said he was “a lovely man, a wonderful grandpa who brought love, fun and laughter and left beautiful memories for his grandchildren to cherish as they journey through life.”

Another said he was “a true gentleman and a great man who tells a story that always makes his audience laugh.”

St John’s Requiem will take place at St Senan’s Church, Kilmacow, at 11am on Friday October 4th.

“Unfortunately missed”

He will be buried in St Kieran’s Cemetery, Kilkenny.

His obituary on rip.ie, which states that he “passed away suddenly”, states that he will be “sadly missed” by his children Kevin, John, Frank and Mary, his daughters-in-law Fiona, Michelle and Ruth and his loved ones Grandchildren Aoife, Niamh, Sean, Daniel, Maeve, Ellen, Lucy, Jack, Anna and Ciara, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, extended family and friends.”

Gardai are appealing for anyone who witnessed this collision to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dashcam) and were traveling in the area at the time are asked to provide this footage to Gardaí’s investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 030 5300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.