Ronan King: As tributes flood in for Lurgan native who died in Donegal crash, a special Mass is to be held for his girlfriend Lucy Robb who was badly injured
As tributes flood social media to Lurgan man Ronan King after his tragic death in a Co Donegal car crash, a special Mass is to be held for his girlfriend Lucy Robb who was badly injured.
Mr King, who is in his 20s and from the Lurgan area, passed away at the scene near the Donegal Fermanagh border.
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A huge Celtic fan, Mr King was a member of Lurgan Glasgow Celtic Supporters Club. It is understood his girlfriend was seriously injured in the crash which happened just outside Pettigo in Co Donegal on Sunday afternoon.
His mother, Paula McCaffrey said: “My handsome son, my rock my best friend my everything. Totally heartbroken doesn't come close to the pain I feel right now. Loved and missed so much.”
His brother Callum said: “My big brother, I love you so so much and I’m gonna miss you dearly for the rest of my life. Thank you for being here for me and the family. Rest In Peace.”
His other brother Jamie said: “Rest in peace to my eldest brother Ronan King. He was one of the most gentle souls in this world and was taken away from it far far too soon we all will miss you dearly and love you so so much.”
A family notice states Ronan King died suddenly as a result of a car accident on August 2, 2026. He is the dearly beloved son of Gerard King and Paula McCaffrey Soye Gardens Lurgan, and much loved brother of Callum and Jamie, loving grandson of Sean and Sheila McCaffrey and late John and Mary King, and loving boyfriend of Lucy.
Funeral arrangements for Ronan will be announced later and will be from his grandparents home at Beaumont Square Lurgan BT66 6EF.
His death is very deeply regretted by his loving parents, brothers, grandparents, girlfriend, aunts, uncles, cousins and entire family circle.
The family has asked for no flowers please, but donations in lieu if desired to Air Ambulance c/o Jack McLearnon.
Many tributes have been paid to Ronan who was clearly a very popular young man, invariably described as a ‘gentleman’.
Glasgow Celtic Supporters Club Lurgan No.1 said: “The committee, staff & members of Lurgan No.1 CSC would like to pass on their condolences to the King family following the tragic passing of Ronan.
"Ronan was a member of our club, spending time in the bar at the weekends with his friends and travelling to Glasgow with us.
"Our thoughts & prayers are with all his family & friends at this difficult time, may he rest in peace.”
One woman said: “Ronan was such a lovely young lad, a gentleman. Such a huge loss. Thinking of Paula and all his family and friends at this very sad time RIP Ronan.”
Another said: “Absolutely devastating news! Ronan was a great lad, may he rest in peace! All my thoughts and prayers are with you all!”
Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd expressed his deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr King.
“The tragic death of Ronan has sent shockwaves throughout Lurgan and the wider community. My heartfelt sympathies are with Ronan’s family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him at this incredibly difficult time.
“No words can ease the pain of such a devastating loss, but I hope they can take some comfort from the support and compassion of the community as they come to terms with this tragedy.”
Meanwhile Tír Na NÓg Randalstown announced a special Mass on Tuesday evening for Lucy Robb, Ronan’s girlfriend, who was badly injured in the crash.
In an online statement, the club said: “As you may have heard, Lucy Robb was involved in a very serious car accident over the weekend and is undergoing surgery on Tuesday.
"Lucy is the daughter of Tír na nÓg members Terry and Caroline Robb and a sister of Ellie and Evie, who play with our Juvenile footballers and camogs (U10s).
"A special Mass will be held for Lucy tomorrow morning (Tuesday) at 9.30am in St MacNissi's Chapel, Randalstown.
"Lucy's family have invited anyone who is able to attend the Mass does so and to keep Lucy in their thoughts and prayers.
"Everyone at Tír na nÓg sends our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Lucy, her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. We also keep the family of Ronan King in our prayers and pass on our deepest condolences.
"We pray for a successful surgery and for Lucy's strength and recovery in the days and weeks ahead. Go gcuire Dia an tsláinte ar Lucy agus neart ar a muintir.”
Another Co Antrim GAA club, Kickham's GAC Creggan, said: “Lucy is a granddaughter of our former player Leo Robb, and we extend our thoughts and prayers to Lucy’s friends and family at this difficult time, and we encourage our members to support them at this special Mass.
"We also offer our condolences to the family and friends of her partner Ronan at this difficult time.”
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following the collision which occurred on the R232 at Fincashel, Pettigo, Co. Donegal on 2nd August 2026.
"The collision, involving a car and 4x4 vehicle, occurred at around 2:45pm,” said a Garda spokesperson.
"The driver of the car, a male in his 20s, was pronounced deceased at the scene. His body has been taken to the mortuary at University Hospital Letterkenny.
"A passenger in the car, a female in her 20s, was transported to hospital with serious injuries. The driver and sole occupant of the second vehicle, a male in his 60s, was also brought to hospital for assessment only.
"The road is closed for examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and local traffic diversions are in place. The Coroner has been notified and a post-mortem examination will be arranged.
"Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have been travelling on the R232 near Pettigo at the time of the collision to come forward."