‘He gave his life to save his beloved niece’

The funeral of a young Ballina man heard how he sacrificed himself to save the life of his beloved niece.

James Moyles, aged 33, from Mount Assumpta, Ballina, lost his life following a tragic accident in the town last week.

James was struck by a vehicle while walking with his niece at Lord Edward Street. He died from his injuries at Mayo University Hospital on Wednesday evening.

His death shocked and stunned the community.

The popular Ballina man was laid to rest yesterday (Monday) following funeral mass at St Patrick’s Church.

Fr Anthony Gillespie told mourners that James laid down his life to save his niece.

“He gave his life to save the life of his beloved niece Croia. He put her first without a thought for himself, such was his loving character and nature.”

He said this selflessness was part of who James was as a person.

“That is how he lived his life. He lived it selflessly,” said Fr Gillespie.

The Mass was told of James’ love for his family and huge network of friends.

Fr Gillespie said James loved helping others and was deeply involved with and loved his work with St Vincent De Paul.

“He gave his love so willingly and generously.” He said the tragic death of James has devasted his family and the entire community.

“A bright light has left you,” said Fr Gillespie.

Gifts were brought the altar which symbolised James’ love for family and sport. They included a family photograph, a football, a Mayo jersey, and a Manchester United scarf and mug.

At the outset of the Mass, Fr Gillespie said the Moyles family wished to thank Anthony and Deirdre Carr, neighbours and gardaí and the emergency services for their support and assistance.

“We pray for all who were involved in this tragic accident,” said Fr Gillespie.

Delivering the eulogy, Seamus Hyland said James was a ‘gentle’ man who he never saw lose his temper. He spoke of James’ amazing compassion and kindness and his love for family.

He said James had a special relationship with his mother Ann and they were like ‘two peas in a pod.’ Mr Hyland said James adored his two nieces and they doted on him too.

He recounted messages of sympathy that praised James for his act of heroism and courage when he made a ‘split second’ decision to save his niece.

James was predeceased by his grandparents Mary and Val Moyles, James and Margaret Hyland and his godmother Ann O’Reilly.

He was the beloved son of Michael and Ann, dear brother of Mary, Michelle, Sean, and Shane. He will be sadly missed by his parents, siblings, his adored nieces Mia and Croía, brother-in-law Ronan, aunts, uncles, relatives, neighbours, and his large circle of friends.

Gardaí are continuing their investigation into the collision involving a car and two pedestrians on Lord Edward Street, Ballina, which occurred at approximately 6.25pm on Wednesday.

They are also renewing their appeal for witnesses to the collision to come forward. Those with camera footage (including dash-cam) from the area at the time are urged to provide it to gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station 096-20560 or any Garda Station.