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6th March 2024
12:42pm GMT
A 30-year-old man who died in a crash in County Tyrone has been named locally as Caolan Devlin, from Coalisland.
The victim of the incident was the brother of Tyrone GAA player and former U20 team captain Niall Devlin.
On Tuesday evening, Mr Devlin was killed in a collision on the Curr Road section of the A5, between Omagh and Ballygawley, when his car collided with a lorry.
Coalisland Fianna CLG paid tribute to their former player in a Facebook post.
The club said: "Coalisland Fianna CLG sends its deepest sympathies to the Devlin family on the sudden and shocking passing of former player Caolan Devlin.
"At tragic and difficult times like this, we need to stand by Caolan’s parents, brother, friends, and entire family circle through the difficult days, weeks, and months ahead.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Devlin family at this difficult time."
The section of the A5 road where the incident occurred remains closed as police investigations continue.
A total of 49 people have died on the A5 since an a planned upgrade was announced in 2007. It is regarded one of the most dangerous roads in Northern Ireland.
We can confirm a man, aged 30, has sadly died following a two-vehicle road traffic collision on the Curr Road, between Omagh and Ballygawley on Tuesday evening, 5th March. More here: https://t.co/ypdicwbGDf pic.twitter.com/UR39QlQNbH
— Police Fermanagh and Omagh (@PSNIFermOmagh) March 6, 2024
On the day of the crash, the Assembly heard pleas for a renewed effort on an urgent upgrade for the road.
West Tyrone MP Orfhlaith Begley said it was "yet another absolute tragedy on this road".
"My immediate thoughts are with his family and friends as they come to terms with this heart-breaking news," she said on Wednesday.
"I want to thank and pay tribute to the emergency services for all their efforts at the scene.
"Yet again another family is left devastated by another fatal crash on this dangerous road. This is a sad reminder of the need to move forward and build the A5 with no more delays."
While also paying tribute to Mr Devlin, local councillor Malachy Quinn added, "There is a lot of sadness and anger within the community from people that I have been talking to this morning", in regards to the road upgrade delays.
