Tributes paid to talented young cyclist Shane O’Brien following Waterford tragedy

Fermoy Cycling Club pays tribute to 16-year-old who dreamed of becoming a professional cyclist

cyclist shane o'brien rip.ie

The cyclist who died following a collision with a parked lorry in Lismore, Co Waterford, on Tuesday has been named locally as Shane O’Brien.

Mr O’Brien, who was due to turn 17 in two weeks, was from the Clondulane area of Co Cork, near Fermoy, where residents are “shattered” by the news, according to a local councillor.

He was a keen cyclist who competed internationally with junior team CAMS Basso Majaco and was also a member of Fermoy Cycling Club. It is understood he was training at the time of the incident.

Gardaí issued an appeal for witnesses following the fatal road traffic collision, which occurred shortly after 11am in Ballygalane.

A Garda spokesperson said a juvenile male cyclist sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the parked lorry involved in the collision was uninjured.

His body was removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Waterford.

A spokesperson for Fermoy Cycling Club said: “We are devastated by the tragic loss of Shane O’Brien, a valued member of our cycling club, following an accident on June 16.

“Shane was an extremely talented and enthusiastic cyclist whose passion for the sport, determination, and kindness touched everyone who knew them. He was a leader and idol to the many young cyclists who knew him both locally and nationally.

“Shane was following his dream to become a professional cyclist and his dedication to this goal has been evident for everyone to see. Shane’s loss will be deeply felt throughout our club and the wider cycling community.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Shane’s family, friends, teammates, and all those affected during this incredibly difficult time.”

Local Fianna Fáil councillor Frank O’Flynn told the Irish Examiner: “The whole area is shattered, numbed, and finding it very hard to come to terms with this very sad news of Shane’s death at such a young age.

“He was a very talented cyclist who was involved in cycling locally and abroad. My thoughts and prayers are with the family – it’s a very closely knit area, and the community will gather around them.” 

Investigations are ongoing, and gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.

Road users who may have camera footage, including dashcam recordings, and who were travelling on the N72 between Lismore and Cappoquin between 10.30am and 11.15am on June 16 are asked to make it available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dungarvan Garda Station on [phone], the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.