The Cycle Against Suicide passing through Sligo on Tuesday.
THE motorcyclist killed in a road crash near Barnesmore Gap yesterday was part of a Cycle Against Suicide charity event.
The man (69) was involved in a collision with a lorry at Lough Mourne, close to the top of McGroary’s Brae between Ballybofey and Donegal town just before noon.
He was working as a steward on the route of the event and was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was taken to Letterkenny General Hospital (LGH) where a post-mortem was carried out.
The driver of the truck was uninjured and none of the cyclists taking part in the event were involved in the incident.
The road between Ballybofey and Donegal town was closed for a Garda forensic examination but was reopened tonight.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our dear friend and his family at this incredibly difficult time,” said Jim Breen, founder of Cycle Against Suicide. “Our hearts are simply broken,” he added.
A large number of spectators had gathered in Ballybofey and Stranorlar to cheer the cyclists who were on the Donegal town to Strabane leg of their countrywide tour.
However, the cyclists turned back to Donegal after the incident and the organisers are to decide whether or not to cancel the event.
Today’s leg has been canceled and a spokesperson for the organisers said: “We are currently reviewing the situation regarding Friday to Sunday’s cycle legs.”
Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Gardaí in Ballybofey on 074 913770, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)