A MEELICK man has died following a single vehicle fatal road collision at Athlunkard Bridge.
Thirty year old Darren Ryan was killed in the collision which occurred at approximately 2:55am on Sunday morning on the R463 at Athlunkard Bridge, Corbally Road, Co. Limerick.
He was fatally injured when the minibus he was driving struck the bridge in the early hours of Sunday morning. His body has since been removed to University Hospital Limerick where a post-mortem examination will be conducted.
The R463 at Athlunkard Bridge, Corbally is currently closed with local diversions in place. The services of Forensic Collision Investigators have been requested.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the R463 between 2.30am and 3.30am this morning Sunday 5th November, 2023 are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Henry Street Garda station on 061 212 400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Darren was one of triplet brothers, along with Evan and Gavan, he was part of a powerful forward unit with St Munchin’s Rugby Football Club and Young Munster Rugby Football Club in their school and junior teams. In later years, he lined out with Kilfeacle RFC and Garryowen FC where he had success on the field also.
He began playing underage with Young Munster and was part of the senior squad from 2013-2018 and played in the All Ireland league Semi Final in 2017 against Clontarf FC and also played on the winning Munster Junior Cup team in 2016 versus Cork Constitution FC. His father Ray was second row in the famous Young Munster All Ireland winning league team in 1993 and also lined out for the Clare hurlers at minor, U21 and senior level.
In a statement, Young Munster paid tribute to their former player by expressing their shock and sadness at his sudden death. “Our immediate thoughts are with the Ryan family in particular his parents Ray & Trish and siblings Evan ,Gavin and Dawn and his son Raemie who Darren adored. The Ryan family have a long tradition of playing with Young Munster”.
“Darren was an outstanding player whose character lit up the dressing room. He will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of playing with and coaching him. He will be sorely missed by all in Young Munster and the wider rugby community,” the statement added.
Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) described Darren as “an incredible young man with oceans of potential”. He noted his achievements on the sporting field and also in setting up his own business. “My very deepest sympathies to Ray, Trish, Dawn, Gavin and Evan. Meelick, tragically, again, bids a sad fairwell to one of its much-loved young people. Darren, you were a topper and little Ramie will be your perfect enduring legacy on this earth”.
