Portlaoise boy critically injured in e-bike crash returns home
Thomas Crean Keogh’s family thanked people for their prayers and support during his lenghty hospital stay
A teenage boy who was critically injured in an e-bike accident has returned home to his family after spending over two months in hospital in Dublin.
Portlaoise teenager Thomas Crean Keogh was just 13 when he suffered a serious head injury after falling from an e-bike which crashed in Portlaoise on June 20, 2026. His 19 year-old cousin, who was driving the e-bike, escaped serious injury in the single vehicle crash at the Summerhill Roundabout on the Stradbally Road in Portlaoise at 11pm on June 20. The boys had earlier visited the grave of Thomas’s aunt, Sharon Crean, who was mudered in Mountmellick in 2022.
Thomas was initially taken to the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise before being transferred to Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin where his parents had kept a vigil by his bedside for weeks.
Speaking to the Leinster Express Laois Live, his aunt Orla Keogh said Thomas was allowed home to celebrate his 14th birthday on August 22 but was re-admitted to hospital soon after and returned home for good last week.
She said Thomas’s family wanted to “thank everyone for donating and saying prayers for Thomas. He is proof of a walking miracle”.
A GoFundMe page was set up to help support the family as Thomas’s parents stayed at his bedside in hospital following the crash and over €4,000 was donated. His friends also organised a fun run in Portlaoise to show support for Thomas and his family.
Orla said Thomas was now doing really well and is undergoing regular physiotherapy. Although he remains in a wheelchair, she said Thomas is beginning to walk again and was making good progress.
Thomas underwent a number of major surgeries while in hospital but Orla said he is back talking and doing well considering all he has been through.
She was unsure when he will be able to return to school but says his family is delighted to have him back home and she again thanked everyone for their support and kindness.
Gardaí renewed their appeal for information in relation to the e-bike crash last month. They were “particularly interested in speaking with the driver of a taxi which was travelling on the Stradbally Road in the direction of Portlaoise Town between 11.15pm and 11.30pm on Saturday 20th June.”
They appealed “to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward. Road users who were travelling on the Stradbally Road in Portlaoise, between St Peter & Paul’s Cemetery and St Fintan’s Hospital, between 11pm and 11.30pm and who may have camera footage (including dash-cam), are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on (057) 867 4100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.