by Ronan McSherry

The shocking loss of life on the A4 and A5 roads between Omagh and Dungannon has been highlighted again with the deaths of two local men in separate accidents in the last week.

On Monday Michael James Tierney (62) of Tullyneill Court, Sixmilecross died when his vehicle was in collision with a lorry on the A4. The latest fatality on the notorious road came only three days after the death of 19-year-old Darren Paul McAnenly from the Omagh Road, Ballygawley when his vehicle was involved in a crash with another vehicles on the A5 last Friday.

Mr Tierney was driving a Ford Mondeo that was in collision with a lorry close to Kileeshil crossroads shortly after noon on Monday. He was taken to Craigavon Area Hospital where he later died. The vehicles had been travelling in opposite directions at the time.

Omagh district councillor Declan Mc Aleer who is related to the deceased man said, "Michael was a very kind hearted and thoughtful man. He only recently moved back to Sixmilecross and loved living in the area because he was close to his family and among the people he grew up with. This is a terrible tragedy for Michael's family and friends and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time."

The deceased man lived and worked in Middlesbrough, England as a lorry driver since the sixties before moving back to Tyrone 10 years ago.

Mid-Tyrone councillor Seamus Shields spoke of his fond memories of working with Mr Tierney in the summer of 1966 laying a pipeline to the Ballylumford power station. "Michael was a bright fellow and a very happy-go-lucky. He was very strong and a great handballer in his youth and like a lot of young lads in the area at the time he went off to England to work. I am very saddened to hear of his death."

Cllr Shields expressed concern regarding the notorious stretch of road that has claimed so many lives in recent years. "This is terrible news so soon after the death of young Darren McAnenly," he added. "It re-enforces the concern people have with the dangers of that road and the need for safety measures. It increases the urgency to ensure whatever investment is necessary needs to be forthcoming to prevent more fatalities."

Calling for greater safety measures Cllr Shields added, "While I don't have all the details on theses latest accidents, all major roads need to be considered for a central barrier to stop vehicles being able to cross the main route. Barriers on other roads serve that purpose and this route needs to be considered for that as a matter of urgency with roundabouts or flyover bypasses implemented to enable crossing."

Darren McAnenly funeral took place at St Matthew's Church, Garvaghey on Monday.

Michael Tierney's Requiem Mass takes place this morning (Thursday) in St Mary's Church, Dunmoyle with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Anyone who saw either collision or came across the scene immediately afterwards, is asked to contact Dungannon police on 0845 600 8000.