Man (90) who died in Fermoy supermarket car park incident hailed a ‘hero’ after pushing woman out of the way – The Irish Times

A 90-year-old man who died after being hit by a car in a supermarket car park in Fermoy, Co Cork, has been hailed as a “hero”.

The fatality occurred at the local SuperValu car park on Courthouse Road at around 11.15am on Friday.

The deceased was named locally as Cal O’Keefe, a former teacher and principal.

It is understood the 90-year-old tried to save a woman by pushing her further out of the way of the car as it reversed towards them before his death.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 60-year-old woman, who was also hit by the car, was airlifted to Cork University Hospital. She is being treated for injuries which were described by gardaí as “serious”.

The car was driven by a man, also 90 years old, who received medical attention at the scene.

“The people of Fermoy are shocked,” said local Fine Gael councilor Noel McCarthy, who praised the emergency services for acting quickly.

“Fermoy is shocked that something like this could happen in a SuperValu car park. It’s such an unfortunate incident,” he said.

Local Fianna Fáil councilor Frank O’Flynn, who knew Mr O’Keefe personally, described the incident as “tragic”.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very sad time,” he said.

The scene of the incident has been preserved for technical examination by forensic collision investigators and police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

They have issued an appeal for all pedestrians traveling in the vicinity of Courthouse Road, Fermoy, between 10.45am and 11.30am on Friday morning to contact them.

Any road user who has camera footage (including dash cam) and is traveling in this area at these times must also make it available to officers.

People who believe they have relevant information should contact Fermoy Garda Station on 025 82 100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.