A man killed in a road accident has been described as “a great character” who always had “a great story to tell”.
Rodney ‘Cozy’ Powell died after his motorbike was involved a collision with Mini on the Old Dublin Road, Newry at approximately 11.05am on Saturday.
Mr Powell was the beloved husband of Janet and much loved father of Andrew and Aoife and dear son of Patricia and the late Bernard Powell and brother of Mostyn and the late Brenda.
Sinn Féin Councillor Roisin Mulgrew, who was a good friend, led tributes to Mr Powell following his tragic passing.
“It is so difficult for any family when faced with such tragedy, today is not the day for the whys and what for but for family, friends and community to come together to remember Cozy and to support each other,” she wrote.
“I first met Cozy 35 years ago in the Cobweb; he was a man of many interests especially motorbikes and at that stage the Sub Aqua club.
“Maurice and I were very blessed to have had him as a friend, a great character always a great story to tell and hilariously funny.
“May you rest in peace Cozy and my thoughts and prayers are with Janet, the children, your mum, Mostyn, Grainne and the wider family, not to mention your friends.”
Hundreds of tributes poured in on social media as a shock community continues to come to terms with the news.
One person posted: “Totally devastated beyond words. Rodney was an absolute gentleman in every way.”
Another wrote: “Rest in peace Rodney, you were a lovely fella I’m so sad and sorry to hear this.”
Mr Powell’s remains will repose at his home from 2pm on Monday until removal on Wednesday at 11:45 am for 12:30 pm. A Funeral Mass will then take place in St Catherines’ Church Dominic Street, Newry with interment afterwards in Monkshill cemetery.
The family have requested donations in lieu of flowers to NI Air Ambulance c/o Charles Digney & sons Funeral Directors, 4 Sugar House Quay Newry.
Mr Powell’s death comes as latest PSNI figures on road traffic fatalities show 24 road-related deaths (as of August 4), with three recorded in the Newry, Mourne and Down area.
