Vigil to be held on Sunday for boy (12) killed in Co Limerick crash

A vigil in memory of a 12-year-old boy killed in a traffic crash in Co Limerick will be held on Sunday.

Wiktor Chojecki died when the car he was driving was in collision with a lorry at around 2am on Friday, just outside the village of Adare.

The boy, whose parents emigrated to Newcastle West from Poland a number of years ago, was the sole occupant in the car, gardaí said.

The vigil will take place in The Square, Newcastle West, at 3pm.

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Prayers will also be said for the family at local Masses in the parish and at services in Limerick city this weekend.

The vigil is being organised by Newcastle West resident and Polish native Dominika Hogan.

Ms Hogan said the vigil was to “show support to Wiktor’s family and as a mark of respect” and she asked those who planned to attend to bring a balloon that could be released in memory of the boy.

Gardaí investigating the crash are to examine the boy’s mobile phone, which was found at the scene, to see if it holds any clues as to why he was driving the car.

Gardaí are working on the theory that Wiktor took his mother’s Nissan Qashqai for drive while the rest of his family slept.

Pat O’Sullivan, Honorary Consul for the Republic of Poland in Limerick, said he would attend the vigil and would offer any assistance he could to the boy’s family.

Mr O'Sullivan said the Polish Ambassador to Ireland, Anna Sochanska, was in Limerick on Friday, on a planned visit, and that she had offered condolences and sympathies to the boy's family.

There is a large Polish community in Newcastle West and they along with neighbours and friends of the family have been rallying around them as they try to come to terms with the Wiktor ’s death.

Wiktor was first-year student at Scoil Mhuire agus Íde, Newcastle West, where principal Sean Lane said the boy would be sadly missed by pupils and staff.

The school would provide counselling supports to students “who may be affected by the tragedy”, Mr Lane said.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward and in particular, any road users who may have camera or dash cam footage.

Witnesses are asked to contact Newcastle West Garda station 069 20650, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.