Tributes paid to popular GP, 64, tragically killed in Mayo collision

Tributes are being paid to a popular doctor who was knocked down and killed in County Mayo on Thursday evening.

Dr. Martin Finnerty (64) sustained injuries which proved fatal while walking in the Church Lane area of Ballinrobe shortly after 6.30 p.m. on Thursday December 12.

The father-of-three was a highly popular personality and built up a busy GP practice in Cornmarket in the town over many years. Locals described Martin who was a native of Athenry in Galway as a ‘gentle giant and a very caring doctor’’.

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Paying tribute local Councillor Michael Burke who was a patient of Dr Finnerty described his death as ‘’ a terrible blow to the town’’. He recalled: “Dr. Martin gave all his patients lots of time and attention. He never rushed anybody out the door."

He added ‘can I at the outset offer my deepest sympathy to his wife Paula and his two daughters and son. There is a black cloud hanging over the town over the loss of our local doctor. Martin came to Ballinrobe in 1988and not alone was he a doctor but when you were his patient you became his friend. He was so easy on time in the fast world that we lived in. If it took you 30 minutes or an hour to explain to Martin what was wrong, he would never rush you’’.

Dr Finnerty is survived by his wife Paula, son Peter and daughters Síoda and Sibéal. Dr Finnerty’s remains will repose at Cummins Funeral Home, Ballinrobe on Monday December 16th from 4 pm until 8 pm with private removal to his home afterwards. Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 11.30 am in St. Mary's Church, Ballinrobe (F31 YA29) with funeral then proceeding to the new cemetery, Ballinrobe.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 6pm and 7pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Claremorris Garda Station on 094 937 2080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

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