Dad-of-four killed in Mayobridge collision remembered as ‘hardworking family man’

The collision took place shortly after 6am. Police say they received a report of a collision at Hilltown Road involving a male pedestrian and a grey coloured Audi A4.

Mr Rooney, a pedestrian and who was in his 40s, sadly passed away at the scene.

He was hailed as a “hardworking family man” by local independent councillor, Jarlath Tinnelly.

“I am very sorry to hear the awful news that a road traffic accident in Mayobridge has claimed the life of a young local man, Darren Rooney,” said Cllr Tinnelly.

“A native of Rostrevor and someone I have known a lifetime, Darren or ‘Joe’ as he was better known to most was a hardworking family man and devoted daddy to four young children.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to his partner Cathrina and his young family. One can only imagine the heartbreaking devastation this news has brought to them and indeed his wider family circle who have tragically lost multiple family members throughout this year.

“Having spoken to Darren as recently as Tuesday past at the Ulster Minor GAA Championship Semi-final in Belfast, I know everyone in Mayobridge and Rostrevor will join me in sending sincere and heartfelt condolences to Darren’s partner Cathrina, his young children, his mother Teresa, brothers Gary & Conor and wider Rooney & Morgan families at this desperately sad time.

“Tragedies such as this are always more poignant when they occur at this time of year, a time for family, a time for rest and a time for celebration and it is utterly heartbreaking to realise when the Rooney family sat down to their Christmas dinner last Monday, little did they know that their lives would be so cruelly shattered within a few short days and their Christmases will never be the same again.”