Hero Mayo crash victim sacrificed himself to save his niece.
A 33-year-old Mayo man has been hailed a hero after he sacrificed his life last week by pushing his niece to safety out of the path of an oncoming vehicle.
At his funeral, Fr Anthony Gillespie told mourners that Mr James Moyles gave himself to save the life of his six-year-old niece, Croia.
The priest explained: “He put her first without a thought for himself, such was his loving nature and his character.”
Fr Gillespie added that Mr Moyles, who was a volunteer with St Vincent de Paul, lived selflessly, adding “there is no greater love than to lay down your life for a friend”.
Seamus Hyland, a cousin of the deceased, led the eulogy.
Mr Hyland said that Mr Moyles had touched the lives of many people throughout his life.
He said: “The last thing that James did on this earth was to make a split-second decision to save his little niece, Croia, by pushing her away from danger. James showed great courage when it was needed most. He died a hero because of what he did.”
Mr Moyles, of Ballina, Co. Mayo, died at Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar on Wednesday due to the injuries he sustained in the road traffic accident the previous day.
His niece was also injured but survived the impact.
Mr Hyland also took a moment to thank the first responders who attended the scene as well as the staff at Mayo University Hospital who had tried to save Mr Moyles’ life.
He described Mr Moyles as a hero based on his actions last week.
Read next:
- Ryanair boss issues stark warning to holidaymakers ahead of summer
- Kneecap ignore RTÉ ‘impartiality’ to show support for Palestine on Late Late Show
- BBC responds to complaints over ‘inappropriate’ red carpet question to Andrew Scott.
- RTÉ Board Chair resigns after Minister says she is ‘deeply disappointed’ in her on Prime Time
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
