Prison officer hit by truck

GARDAÍ are appealing for witnesses to an accident which claimed the life of a prison officer in Cork city.

John O’Riordan, a married father with a young child, died after he was hit by a truck at about 1pm yesterday.

Mr O’Riordan, who lived in Aherla, had been working at Cork Prison when he decided to go jogging at lunchtime.

A brother of Natural Gas band founder Tim O’Riordan, John had been running between Meelick Park and Mervue Lawn in Ballyvolane when he was hit by the truck.

Mr O’Riordan was pronounced dead at the scene and the roadway remained closed for a number of hours as gardaí carried out a technical examination.

A colleague described him as one of the most popular prison officers at the jail.

“He was an amazing character who could tell a great story. He was also an avid runner who went for regular jogs during his breaks,” the colleague said.

Gardaí have asked witnesses to contact Mayfield Garda Station at 021 4558510.