Tributes paid to Blarney-born garda killed in road collision while off-duty

Tributes have been paid following the death of a Cork-born off-duty garda who was killed in a crash in Co Clare on Sunday.

The incident happened at around 5.30pm on the R466 at Gortnaglogh, Broadford.

Sergeant Andrew O'Riordan, aged in his 50s, was found dead at the scene.

The driver of the car, a man also in his 50s, was airlifted to University Hospital Limerick to receive treatment for serious injuries.

In a statement, gardaí in Limerick paid tribute to the late Garda Sergeant who was stationed at Mayorstone Garda Station.

"A native of Blarney, Co Cork, Sergeant Andrew O'Riordain was a well-respected member of An Garda Síochána who served proudly for 28 years in the Limerick area," they said "Our sympathies go out to Andrew’s wife Stephanie and their five children, parents Pat and Kathleen and sister Joanne.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam," they added.

TD for the Clare area, Cathal Crowe, expressed his "deepest sympathies to Andrew's grieving family".

"There are no words that can comfort all those who loved Andrew so deeply. Sympathies also to his colleagues who held him in such high esteem," he said.

"Andrew - thank you for your incredible service to our local communities. You wore the uniform of An Garda Síochána with immense pride - light of heaven to your soul," he added.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.

Road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, and were travelling on the R466 at Gortnaglogh at the time of the incident are also asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ennis Garda Station on (065) 684 8100, the garda confidential line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

"Investigations are ongoing," a garda spokesperson said.