A devastated mum said her heart has “literally been ripped from me” after the death of her son in a horror crash which also killed his dad.
Vincent Rossi, 29, and five-year-old Sully died when their car collided with a lorry near Tullamore, Co Offally, on Monday.
Vincent’s daughter Hayley, nine, was injured and remained in a serious condition at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin, on Tuesday.
Another son, Daniel, eight, was rushed to the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore, but his injuries are not life-threatening. Sully’s mum Tina Morrissey, opened up about her crippling grief at the death of her little boy.
Tina, from Glenbrohane, Co Limerick, wrote on Facebook: “I have no words. My heart has literally been ripped from me.
“Sleep tight Vince and my beautiful big, blue eyed boy, Sully wully, silly Sul, mammy’s baby boy.
“Love you to heaven and back my sweet little angel.”
Her mum Catherine Morrissey added: “Rest in peace Vince and my precious little grandson Sully.
“May the angels welcome you with open arms.”
Car enthusiast Vincent, whose nickname was “Finch”, lived in the Green Mill Lane area of Portlaoise, Co Laois, with his children.
He was from Limerick but moved to Portlaoise as a child with his mother Mary and two sisters Amy and Laura.
His heartbroken sister Amy told the Irish Mirror: “I am speechless, no words can describe how we feel.”
Vincent was driving near Killeigh, Tullamore, when his black Volkswagen Golf was in collision with a lorry at around 5pm on Monday.
The driver of the truck was treated for shock and minor injuries.
Limerick county councillor Eddie Ryan, a friend of the Morrissey family, expressed his condolences last night. He said: “I know the grandparents.
“The Morrissey family, my heart goes out to all of them. I’m very sorry for what has happened to all involved.
“For a young man and his son to die – it is a tragic loss of life.”
Supt Tom Mullarkey from Tullamore Garda station has issued an appeal for anybody who stopped at the scene to help the injured and subsequently left to continue on their journeys.
He added: “Witnesses are asked to contact Tullamore Garda station on 0579327600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”
