Tributes to Laytown man killed in N2 collision

The Laytown area has been plunged into mourning following the death of local man Ken Piper in a road traffic collision on the N2 yesterday afternoon.

Mr Piper, who was in his fifties, was fatally injured, when the motorcycle he was travelling on was in collision with a car at the Phillipstown junction on the N2 between Ardee and Collon, at around 12.35pm on Sunday afternoon.

News of his death has shocked and saddened the local community where Ken was a very well liked and popular man, with tributes and messages of sympathy pouring in to his wife Monique and family.

He was proprietor of Laytown Motors and lived in St Benan's Villas where he was very involved in the upkeep of the estate and the local residents association.

Hundreds of messages of condolences have been posted on the Laytown Motors Garage facebook page where Ken was described by as a true gentleman.

Local councillor Tom Behan, who lived just three doors away from the Piper family, has paid tribute to Ken and said told how he was very much "the lifeblood of the local community".

"We can't believe it. To think I was only talking to him the other day. Everyone is in shock. He will be very sadly missed around the Laytown area. People knew him so well and relied on him for jobs on the cars. He was also very involved with the estate and always looking at ways to improve it. He was the lifeblood of the local community."

Cllr Behan told how Ken and Monique had recently visited their three daughters Shireen, Keely and Nicole and son Aaron in Australia.

Local councillor Sharon Tolan has also expressed her sympathy. "My thoughts and prayers were with the Piper family. It is such a tragic loss for them and also the wider community."

Ardee Gardai are investigating the collision, which occurred at approximately 12.35pm on Sunday, 15th May. They are appealing for any witnesses to come forward and to those with camera footage (including dash-cam) to make it available to them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ardee Garda Station on 041 685 3222, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.