Tributes paid to man, 68, who was found unresponsive on Kerry roadside

Ciaran Ó Nualláin

Tributes are being paid to a cyclist who was found unresponsive on the side of the road last weekend as he passed away in hospital on Wednesday.

The man, in his 60s, had been riding an electric bike on the Bracker O'Regan Road in Tralee. He has been named locally as Ciaran Ó Nualláin, 68, from Mounthawk, Tralee, Kerry. 

The alert was raised at around 12.45 am on Sunday, October 20 after he was found unresponsive on the roadside by a passerby. Members of the public stopped to help the man who was seriously injured. Mr Ó Nualláin was rushed to University Hospital Kerry where he has since been pronounced deceased. 

The local coroner has been notified, and arrangements will now be made for a post-mortem examination.

In a statement on Thursday night, the Mayor of Tralee Fianna Fail Councillor Mikey Sheehy said: "It is with huge sadness that we learned of the tragic passing of a cyclist in our community. On behalf of the people of Tralee, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends affected by this heartbreaking loss. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.” 

 Friends also posted condolences one said "Ciarán, we enjoyed many a chat with him, and will now treasure our time with him just last Saturday night, May you rest in peace Ciarán watch over your family whom you adored, Rest in Peace’’. 

Another said: "Heartbreaking news, so so very sorry. Ciarán was an absolute gent from start to finish!’’ 

Mr O’ Nuallain is survived by his wife Siobhán and children Aisling, Fearghal, Conor and Dáire. His remains will repose at his home in Mounthawk on Sunday, October 27 from 3 to 5 pm. Funeral arriving at Our Lady & St. Brendan’s Church, Tralee on Monday morning at 10.30 am where the Requiem Mass for Ciarán will be celebrated at 11 am. A private cremation will take place afterwards.

In a statement, the family said: "In Ciaran’s memory, his family encourages everyone to spend time with those they care about, take a walk, enjoy a conversation, and cherish the moments spent together’’.

Gardaí continue to appeal to witnesses to the incident, anyone who was travelling on the road at the time and those who provided assistance to the cyclist on Caherslee Road and Bracker O'Regan Road between 12:20 am and 12:50 am on Sunday morning. 

Investigators have asked that anyone with dash-cam and mobile phone footage come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tralee Garda Station at 066 710 2300, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Ciaran Ó Nualláin becomes the 140th person to die on Irish roads this year.