Promising Cork cyclist who died in Waterford accident named locally
Olivia Kelleher
A 16-year-old who died in an accident on the N72 at Ballygalane outside Lismore in Waterford has been named as promising cyclist Shane O'Brien.
Shane suffered fatal injuries when his bicycle hit a parked truck shortly after 11am on Wednesday.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was taken to University Hospital Waterford for a postmortem examination.
The native of Bettyville, Clondulane, Fermoy in Co Cork was a first-year junior cyclist with Camsmajaco, which is a UK-based cycling team.
In a statement, they said that Shane was a "talented rider" who had a "bright future ahead of him.
"He was (also) a kind-hearted, gentle and positive young man. We were honoured to have him as a member of the team, and he will be forever in our hearts."
Cycling Ireland posted online that they were "shocked and deeply saddened" at the passing of Shane in an accident.
"Shane, who was formerly of Fermoy CC and more recently with CAMS Majaco, was well known and loved in the cycling community.
He recently made his national team debut at Course de la Paix in the Czech Republic and had shown great promise as an emerging talent. Shane will be missed dearly by all in the cycling community in Ireland.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and teammates at this time of tragic loss. May he rest in peace."
Shane is survived by his parents, Eddie (Jnr) and Mary, his brothers Liam and Aidan and his grandparents, Eddie and Anna and the late Jim and Peg.
Shane was a transition year student at St Colman's College in Fermoy. Liam O'Brien races with the German team. Lidl Trek Future.
Former Mayor of Cork, Councillor Frank O'Flynn, said the thoughts of the community are with the family and friends of the deceased at this sad time.
"Everyone is shocked by this appalling tragedy and our hearts go out to his family, classmates, neighbours and friends," he said.
"His family are very highly respected in the greater Fermoy area, and I know that they have very proud sporting connections. Shane had a very bright sporting future ahead of him."
Meanwhile, gardai will prepare a file for the Coroner in Waterford. An inquest will be held at a later date.
The driver of the parked lorry was not injured in the incident. However, he was treated for shock at the scene.
Gardaí have issued an appeal to anyone who witnessed the accident to contact them.
"Road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N72 between Lismore and Cappoquin, Co. Waterford between 10.30am and 11.15am on Tuesday are asked to make this available to investigating gardaí."
"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dungarvan Garda Station on (058) 48600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."
