Irishman found dead in Thai resort was ex-cycling champ

A LIMERICK man found dead in a hotel in a resort in Thailand was a teenage cycling champion who raced against the likes of Stephen Roche and Sean Kelly.

David Hourigan, 38, was found dead in a hotel where he had been residing for the past three months.

He was an Irish international cyclist who, as an amateur, was so good he rode against professionals.

Tom Shanahan, who was a member of the Limerick Cycling Club with him, said: “He dominated the Irish junior scene and often won senior races when a junior. He rode in the Nissan Classic against the top professionals and he won the Manx international in the Island of Man a few times.”

A news agency report from Thailand said Police Lieutenant Colonel Tailert was called to Bee’s Corner Restaurant and Bar located off Jomtien Beach to deal with a foreign fatality.

A police report stated: “Inside a 4th floor room the body of Mr David Hourigan, aged 38, was lying on the bed and police suspect he had been dead for at least three days.”

The cause of death is unknown and no clues as to why he had died could be found in the room.

The Irish Embassy in Bangkok has been informed and have been in contact with Mr Hourigan’s family.

David Hourigan, who was brought up in Moyross, was seen as one of the finest prospects to emerge in Irish cycling.