Baby boy who died tragically in Ennis named locally

The family of an 18-month-old baby boy who died tragically in a road traffic incident in Clare have been left "devastated" by his death.

The child, who has been named as Hunter Molloy, was struck by a car at approximately 12.30pm on Wednesday afternoon, May 8, at the Ballaghboy Halting Site on the Quin Road in Ennis.

He was taken to University Hospital Limerick, where he died a short time later from his injuries.

Ennis parish priest Fr Tom Ryan has said Hunter's family is "confused, upset and bewildered" by the tragedy.

Speaking to RTÉ, the priest, who had married Hunter's parents Peter and Alisha and christened their children, said life changed in a split second for the young family.

Read More: Families ‘plunged into sadness’ by fatal tragedy which claimed life of 18-month-old baby boy in Co Clare

"All we can do as a community is journey with them and help them in their pain."

Fr Ryan led Hunter's family and community in open-air prayers on the site on the Quin Road.

The priest also shared that he has known Hunter's mother Alisha, who is expecting her fourth child in a few months, from her childhood in Shannon.

Gardaí have appointed a family liaison officer to support Hunter's family, and the scene has been preserved for Garda forensic collision investigators.