A young Ballina man has died following a tragic accident on the main N7 Nenagh to Dublin road last weekend.

James McKeogh (26) from Gurtlassobrien, Boher, Ballina was killed when the car he was driving left the road and collided with a ditch at approximately 8.20 am on Saturday morning last.

The tightly-knit community in Ballina was devastated to hear of the accident which occurred on the southbound lane of the M7 motorway, about 15 miles north of Portlaoise.

A hugely popular figure in his local community, James was a member of Ballina GAA club and is believed to have been returning home from Dublin when the accident occurred.

Testament to his huge popularity were the large crowds which attended at his home on Tuesday evening and again at funeral Mass in Boher Church on Wednesday morning before burial in Ballina Church grounds.

He is survived by his parents Jimmy and Sheila, loving sisters Mary and Joan, girlfriend Barbara, nephew David, brother-in-law Seamie, grandparents, uncles and aunts, relatives and friends.