A heartbroken Irishman has told of a desperate attempt to save his niece's life after she was struck by a car on Easter Sunday.
Bridget Ward tragically died after she was hit by a car while out cycling with her little brother Patrick.
The two kids were both struck by the vehicle which overturned near Ballinasloe, Co Galway shortly before noon on Sunday.
Bridget's uncle James Martin arrived at the scene to find her unconscious body, before performing CPR along with a nurse who happened to be at the crash site.
He said: "I ran up and saw Paddy first. He had a big cut on his head so I got him off the hard road and onto the grass.
Tributes paid to 'angel' girl Bridget Ward who died in Easter Sunday crash in Ballinasloe, Co Galway
"Then I went to the far side of the car and I saw Bridget and at this time I thought she was dead."
He told the Irish Star: "She was unconscious and very weak.
"I said (to my brother) 'Look after Paddy', and that's when my daughter-in-law came and rang the ambulance.
"They told us to get her on her back perform CPR. So we did that.
"There was a woman there and would you believe she was a nurse.
"So she felt her pulse and it was very weak so she started CPR. I took over from them."
Locals will 'rally around' grieving family after Irish girl tragically killed in cycling accident
The young schoolgirl was pronounced dead at the scene on the R358.
Her brother was taken to hospital with serious injuries but has since been released, it has been reported.
She was described as a "kind, talented and wonderful" young girl.
Bridget's school, English Primary School in Ballinasloe, said: "Our school community is deeply saddened by the news of the tragic death today of our student, classmate and friend, Bridget.
"A kind, talented and wonderful girl in so many ways, she will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Tragic girl, 9, named locally after she was killed in Co Galway cycling accident
"May her gentle soul Rest in Peace.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with her family on this sad day and we pray for a full and speedy recovery for her brother, Paddy."
The family live in a Traveller housing accommodation facility between Ballinasloe and Ahascragh in the Creggan area.
Former Communications Minister Denis Naughten also described his shock at the accident.
The Roscommon Galway TD said: “What a terrible tragedy on Easter Sunday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those involved and their families at this time.”
