'Like a bad dream' - Tributes paid to recently married man (19) killed in Kildare crash

Tributes have been pouring in after the young man killed in a road crash outside Newbridge, Co Kildare, on Thursday evening was named as 19-year-old Jerry Maloney.

Jerry, who married his wife Chloe earlier this year, was a passenger in a pick-up truck involved in a single-vehicle crash on the Barrettstown Road on the outskirts of Newbridge at around 8pm on Thursday.

He was taken to Naas General Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The male driver, aged in his teens, was taken to Tallaght Hospital for treatment of non life-threatening injuries.

An RIP.ie death notice for Jerry says he is "sadly missed by his loving wife Chloe, his parents James and Bridget, brothers and sisters Katie, Miley, Helen and Johnny, brothers and sisters in law, aunts and uncles, his grandparents, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends."

Tributes have been paid to Jerry in recent days, including from his brothers. Miley Maloney wrote on social media: "My baby brother. Oh god why, I just cannot believe it, it’s like a bad dream. Jerry, what am I ever gonna do without you brother, the pain in my heart will never be fixed. I love you forever, my brother."

READ NEXT: 'He saw good in everyone' - Michael Gaine funeral hears stunning tribute to slain farmer

His sister Katie wrote: "What are we ever meant to do now? It shouldn’t have been like this my lovely big fine brother, never be a boy like u again. Love u with all my heart, please our Jerry, watch over all of us and your wife."

His other sister Helen posted a video from the scene of the crash where family and friends gathered to release blue balloons. They played Dr Hook Millionaire from a speaker as people can be heard crying in the background amid emotional scenes. 

Another childhood friend wrote: "Genuine can’t believe it. Rip Jerry, you’ll never be forgotten brother. Went to school together, done absolutely everything together as young fellas. Always out for a laugh, will cherish the memories forever. God be good to you, keep his wife and family in your prayers."

A further tribute read: "Jerry, you have broken my heart. I actually can’t believe this. I loved you like my own brother, only a baby starting out in life. I will never understand why God took you, please everyone pray for Blackie and Bridgie and his family and wife and your aunt Debbie. The memories we have together I will cherish for the rest of my life. Up JERRY MALONEY, number 1."

Gardaí are still appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 7.45pm and 8.15pm (Thursday, June 5) are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Newbridge Garda Station on (045) 440180, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Investigations are ongoing.