An Post contractor killed in north Mayo road accident

A POPULAR postman lost his life in north Mayo this morning when his mail delivery van and a car collided in the Keenagh area near Crossmolina.

He has been named locally as Mattie Merrick, Ballycarroon, Crossmolina.

The fatal impact occurred at 10 a.m. as Mr. Merrick, a part-time farmer, was driving the postal van on the R312 Castlebar to Belmullet road at a location known as Keenagh crossroads.

Mr. Merrick, who was in his sixties and married with a family, was a long serving mail contractor with An Post.

Company CEO David McRedmond expressed sympathy with the family of the deceased this afternoon, stating he was deeply saddened by the news.

Councillor Michael Loftus, a Crossmolina based member of Mayo County Council, said the tragedy had left the community reeling and in shock.

“I knew Mattie well,' Councillor Loftus explained. “He was a hardworking man whose house and farm were exceedingly well kept.”

Mr. Merrick was alone in the postal van when the impact occurred.

A male and female in the other car, both aged in their thirties, were brought to Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar.

Their injuries are not life threatening.

The main Belmullet to Castlebar road was closed to traffic for a time as gardai carried out a forensic examination of the crash scene.

Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to contact Belmullet Garda Station on (097) 81910, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111 or any garda station