Grandad dies after tragic car accident outside village church
By Maurice Garvey
A GRANDFATHER has passed away after battling injuries sustained during a tragic car accident at a Clondalkin church last month.
Originally from Tallaght, Christopher ‘Buddy’ Phillips (78), who lived in Walkinstown, was one of a number of people hospitalised after a priest lost control of his car entering the carpark of the Immaculate Conception Church on June 25.
Emergency services at the scene at the Immaculate Conception Church in Clondalkin last month
A large group of mourners were awaiting the funeral procession of businessman and father-of-three Dave Breach at the time of the incident.
Retired curate Fr Denis Foley (89) is believed to have fallen ill at the wheel, which led to seven people, including the priest, being seriously injured and brought to hospital.
Mr Phillips passed away in Tallaght Hospital on Tuesday.
As a result of Mr Phillips passing, gardai in Clondalkin have upgraded the investigation from accident to fatal accident.
Witnesses reported that the car-park scene was littered with people on the ground after 13 people were injured, including two in critical condition.
Last rites
The scene was so bad that a priest gave some of the injured their last rites.
A number of mourners were praised for taking care of the injured before emergency services arrived, including that of firefighter Ray Hurley (40) from Kingswood, who ran towards the vehicle to turn it off.
A funeral service will be held for Mr Phillips at St Agnes Church in Crumlin on Saturday morning.
A message on RIP.ie said Christopher ‘Buddy’ Phillips passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in the kind care of the staff of Tallaght Hospital on July 24.
“Husband of Jennie and beloved dad to Patrick, Richard, Anna and Edward. Sadly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, family, neighbours and friends.”
