The mother of a GAA All-Star was killed when her car hit a wall in Co Galway yesterday morning.

Ena Hardiman, whose son Derek is a former Galway intercounty hurler who won an All-Star award in 2005, died instantly when her car crashed into a wall as she returned home after dropping one of her sons to work.

The 55-year-old mother of nine was not far from her home in Mullagh when the incident happened shortly after 7.30am on the Kiltormer-Laurencetown road.

Mrs Hardiman, whose husband Frank died 10 years ago, was the only occupant of the car. Her body was taken to Portiuncula hospital.

The road was closed for a Garda forensic examination, but it was reopened yesterday afternoon. Gardaí at Ballinasloe have appealed for any witnesses to call 090-9631890 or the Garda confidential line, tel: 1800-666111.