Tributes are being paid to a Longford man who died following a bus crash in County Westmeath.
He has been named locally as 55 year old Michael Gill, who was from Kenagh.
Mr Gill passed away after the bus he was driving collided with a ditch on the old Athlone to Moate road at around 5:30pm on Wednesday evening.
In a statement Stephen Kent, CEO of Bus Éireann said "This is a very sad event, affecting everyone in Bus Éireann.
Their thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of Michael.
Local Councillor Com Murray says there's sadness in the community.
''Michael was a very well known character in the village. He was very well liked and respected. He had been involved in a lot of things over the years. He was involved in the football club. He's the former treasurer there, he would have won a couple of championships back in the 80s with the club at under 21 level. He was involved in the local darting scene and was quite well known for that and he would brighten up a room when he was coming towards you.
Michael was extremely well known from his job as a bus driver. He'd spent a long number of years with Farrelly's coaches before recently moving to CIE. And he was extremely professional in his approach. He was very accommodating, you know, very gracious and if somebody wasn't having the best days or whatever Michael would put a smile on their face before they'd get off the bus. He's a big loss to the area. His wife and family are in everyone's thoughts at the moment. We just can't believe it.''
