This is the young Co Tyrone groom who was killed in a suspected hit-and-run accident in the Republic — just a few months after he got married.

Jonathan Heagney (26) was knocked down as he walked home to a bed and breakfast after attending a family wedding. His body was found on the Carrickmacross Road outside Kingscourt in Co Cavan.

The accident is believed to have taken place during the early hours of Saturday morning although his body was not discovered until later that day.

Mr Heagney had married his girlfriend Elaine Duggan in July. He was originally from Carrickmore although the couple, pictured above on their wedding day, had recently moved to Aughnagar in Galbally.

Extending her sympathies to the Heagney family, West Tyrone councillor Anne-Marie Fitzgerald said it was a tragic death.

“This young man was from Carrickmore and his family would be well known,” she said. “It is especially sad because he only got married a few months ago.

“Obviously everyone’s thoughts and condolences are with his family and particularly his wife, who must be heartbroken.

“They had recently built a home and were just starting their married life. It is an unbelievable tragedy and we can only imagine the devastation this news has brought to his family.”

SDLP representative Seamus Shields also expressed his condolences, adding: “Road tragedies have become very common in this part of the world in recent times. Unfortunately this weekend we are marking a further sad loss of a young person in tragic circumstances and our thoughts are with his family.”

Gardai said Mr Heagney was hit by a car between 2am and 2pm on Saturday. They want to hear from anyone with information about a dark red/maroon Audi that may have been in the area at the time and may have been damaged.