WARM TRIBUTES have been paid to Kilmurry McMahon native Michael Lorigan who died in a traffic collision in West Clare on Wednesday.
Seventy year old Michael Lorigan was cycling on the N67 Kilkee to Moyasta Rd when he was hit by a vehicle, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Born in Benvoran in Kilmurry McMahon, Michael had been living in Kilkishen with his wife Dympna neé Maguire. He is survived by his wife and sisters Patsy Neylon, Noreen Browne and Jean Lorrigan.
He had been cycling to Kilkee to meet Dypmna to celebrate their wedding anniversary.
Fresh from graduation, Michael took on a job as a primary school teacher in the Model School in Limerick City where he proved to be an inspiration with his new teaching methods, he also passed on a love of gaelic games to his many students. He taught here from the mid 1970s until his retirement. He is a past pupil of Kilrush CBS.
Among those to pay their respects to Michael was his former colleague, Treasa Ní Dhochartaigh who said she was heartbroken by the news. “Fear uasal agus múinteoir den scoth ba ea é, go raibh cion aige ar na leanaí. Bhíodh sé geal gáireach i gcónaí agus comhghleacaí iontach a bhí ann,” she said.
His wife Dympna is a retired teacher at St John’s NS in Cratloe.
His late father, Tommy was a hugely influential figure in the Shannon Gaels GAA club for whom Michael lined out at underage and adult level including the 1972 minor final which they lost to Ennistymon.
After finishing his club career, Michael devoted his energies to cycling. On many occasions, he partook in the Clare 250 Mile Cycle and regularly undertook long-distance cycles.
Michael’s reposal will take place at his home in Kilkishen on Saturday, August 19th, from 5pm to 8pm. The funeral mass will be held on Sunday, August 20th, at 11am at St. Mary’s Church, Kilmurry McMahon (V15 W653) followed by burial in the local cemetery.
Following the collision, the N67 at Baunmore was closed for a number of hours to allow forensic collision investigators to carry out an examination.
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 N67 in the Baunmore area between 12pm and 1pm are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Kilrush Garda station on 065 9080550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station,” a spokesperson outlined.
