Tributes paid to ‘absolute gentleman’ (81) killed in Kerry cycle accident

Sean Ryan

Tributes have been paid to an absolute gentleman who was killed in a cycling accident in County Kerry on Tuesday June 10th.

The cyclist, who was a man in his 80s, died after he was struck by a vehicle in Kilgarvan at around 1.40pm on Tuesday.

He has been named locally as Paddy O’Donoghue (81) from Gortahoonig, Muckross, Killarney, Kerry. The incident happened on the R569 road, Church Grounds in Kilgarvan, gardaí said.

Mr O’Donoghue was declared dead at the scene. Gardaí say the Coroner has been informed and a postmortem examination will take place.

Locals described Mr O’Donoghue as an absolute gentleman who loved the outdoors and regularly cycled in the area. He had often taken part in the Ring of Kerry Cycle each year.

Paying tribute his local Glenflesk GAA club said ‘’Glenflesk GAA would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Paddy O’Donoghue on his sad passing. He was a true Glenflesk stalwart as a player, mentor and lifelong supporter’’.

Friends also paid tribute. One friend said ‘’ So sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Paddy, loved meeting him on my walks and we sorting out all the problems of the world, condolences to Brenda and family and all extended families. May he rest in peace’’.

Another said ‘’Paddy did me a big favour years ago after my car went off the road on the way to a game. He drove me and fixed the car and I hardly knew him. A gentleman. May he rest in peace’’.

He is survived by his wife Brenda and children Florence, Áine, Denise, Brenda, Báirbre, Patrick and Alice. No funeral arrangements have been made as yet but should be known on Thursday June 12th.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact them. They also said in a statement that the road where the accident took place was closed off and diversions were in place.

It said: “Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 1pm and 2pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”

Gardaí say investigations are ongoing.