Lest we forget: Remembering all 13 cyclists killed this year

As cyclists gather in Dublin for a protest and vigil over cycling deaths, we remember every one of those cyclists who have been killed - all in collisions with vehicles - so far this year.

This evening's Stop Killing Cyclists event gets underway from 5.30pm on Kildare St in Dublin's south inner city.

 

Remembering all 13 cyclists killed this year in the Republic

 

13 cyclists killed this year in the Republic

 

Tonya McEvoy,above, was killed when in collision with a vehicle on February 12th. She was out training with her club Orwell Wheelers at the time.

The 34-year-old childcare worker died from injuries she sustained near Rathcoffey, Co Kildare.

“Tonya worked with kids and she was like Mary Poppins,” said her sister Ciara.

“Children loved her and it’s wasn’t a job to Tonya it was a happiness with passion.”

Ciara was speaking to us during the summer as she was about to take Tonya’s place on a 330km cycle to raise funds for the Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

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“The Crumlin Children’s Hospital charity cycle is a very big deal to her,” Ciara added.

“And I just want to continue her passion and her name in doing this. I hope I can raise as much as I can in memory of Tonya and she will look down and be proud.”

 

13 cyclists killed this year in the Republic

 

Daragh Ryan was killed while cycling near the Phoenix Park, Dublin, on March 12th. He was involved in a collision with a motorist at the entrance to the park on Conyngham Rd.

His family and friends in May placed a ghost bike, pictured, at the spot where he was killed.

They announced the bike’s placement there and paid tribute to him in a short notice.

“A ghost bike memorial has been placed at the spot where cyclist Daragh was killed when he was struck by a car at the Conyngham Road entrance to the Phoenix Park,” the notice said.

“Daragh wasn’t just a cyclist. He was 30 years old and was a brilliant and kind young man with a bright future.

“He was a big Star Wars fan. He was a son, a brother, a friend, and a cousin. Daragh will be missed by everyone who knew him. Please take care of each other on the roads.”

 

13 cyclists killed this year in the Republic

 

Des Butler, a 50-year-old father of two from Limerick, was killed in a collision with a motorist driving a camper van on March 26th.

He was out training on the N18 main Limerick to Galway Road near Bunratty when killed.

His son Rioghan (19) described his father as "my hero" in an online tribute to him after his death.

Des had been out training with his club mates on Saturday morning, the day before he was killed. And he decided to go for a solo spin alone on Sunday as he prepared for a sportive.

It a tragic twist, it is understood those in the camper van were members of a search and rescue group from the UK.

They were travelling to Blacksod, Co Mayo, to help in the search operation following the R116 Search and Rescue helicopter crash.

 

Luby Maryori Arroyave Ramirez was killed while cycling in Dublin on March 27th. She was in collision with a motorist at a roundabout in Templeogue.

The fatal incident occurred at the junction of Templeville Road and Wellington Road.

And while local people rushed to help the injured woman, who was in her 30s, she died at the scene.

 

Robin Ball (62) was fatally injured while cycling on April 21st. He was in collision with a car at Lissanoohig, near Skibbereen, Co Cork.

He survived the initial collision and was airlifted from the crash scene to Cork University Hospital.

From the UK but living in Ireland since his early 40s, he underwent treatment for just over a week but died eight days after the collision.

Skibbereen councillor Joe Carroll paid tribute to Robin saying he was very popular and well-liked.

"He was a talented man, an artist, and this is just a very sad occasion," he said.

"We were all very upset to hear about his passing. As a local representative, it is the last thing that you want to hear and it is a very sad occasion for all involved."

 

Annette Mannix was killed when in collision with a tractor on a group training ride in Co Kerry on May 10th.

Annette (48) was out with a training group from Killarney when she was involved in a collision with the tractor on a bypass at the junction with Lewis Road at around 7pm.

The group she was with was on an evening training ride organised by Killarney CC.

And the spot where she was fatally injured had been flagged as a black spot for cyclists in the past.

“We're absolutely devastated for her family,” said Brendan Cassidy of Killarney Cycling Club at the time.

“Annette was very well liked and the club is deeply saddened by what has happened,” he added off Annette, who was a full-time carer for her elderly mother.

 

13 cyclists killed this year in the Republic

 

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Donal O’Brien (46) was killed while cycling on March 14th.   Out cycling at the time to keep fit, the married father of two owned his own car garage. He was a well known figure in Irish motor sport.

Donal, above, was cycling on the N22 Cork-Macroom road close to Ballincollig when in collision with a motorist driving a car.

From Ovens, Co Cork, Mr O’Brien died at the scene of the collission near Exit 1 on the Ballincollig bypass.

His colleagues at Donal O’Brien Cars posted a short statement on social media at the time.

“It is with a very heavy heart that we share the news that our beloved company director, Donal O’Brien, was suddenly and tragically taken from us yesterday, 14th of May 2017,” it said.

“We are heartbroken. This business will remain closed until further notice.

“We want to express our sincere thanks to all our customers for their understanding at this very difficult time.”

 

13 cyclists killed this year in the Republic

 

Patrick McHale was aged 54 years when he was killed while cycling in Rathoreen, Ballina on May 28th.

He was involved in a collision with a motorist in a car. He was a member of the Lisheen Conneal Cycling Club and lived in Ballina.

“The club are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of Patrick McHale, a friend and devoted club member,” Lisheen Conneal Cycling Club said at the time.

“We offer our condolences to Patrick’s wife, Collette, also a club member, his daughter, Melody and his sons, Patrick and Darren, son-in-law Darren, and all his extended family, neighbours and friends.”

 

13 cyclists killed this year in the Republic

 

Janet Price, an American tourist in her 60s, was killed while cycling on the Gap of Dunloe. Co Kerry, on May 30th.

She was in collision with a 4X4 vehicle as she and her husband Don Theiler were cycling on a narrow stretch of road.

Mr Theiler called for the Department of Transport to carry out safety works on the road.

He also sent a letter to the Department of Transport listing concerns over road safety at the gap of Dunloe and calling for action to be taken

 

13 cyclists killed this year in the Republic

 

Pádraic Carney was fatally injured while cycling in south Dublin on June 19th and died in hospital the following day.

The 53-year-old was a popular and well-respected Dublin primary school principal. His death was the 10th time a cyclist had been killed this year, equalling the total for last year.

Like all of the other cycling deaths this year, he was fatally injured in collision with a motorist.

The incident occurred on Butterfield Park, Rathfarnham, at 8.10am on a Monday morning while cycling to St Louis Senior Primary School, Rathmines.

A number of people were in the area at the time and rushed to his aid. Mr Carney was taken by ambulance to Tallaght Hospital but later died.

Staff at his school said they were devastated. Counselling was offered to the children there, who are aged between 8 and 12 years.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the tragic death of our much loved and widely respected principal teacher, Pádraic Carney, following a road traffic accident yesterday morning on his way to school,” the school said in a statement.

“This is a terrible tragedy for Pádraic’s immediate and extended family, his wide circle of friends and the whole community in Rathmines.

“We are all deeply saddened by his sudden and untimely death. The entire school community sends its deepest condolences to Pádraic’s family and friends.

“We spoke to all the children this morning and allowed them to share and process their grief.”

 

Annette Carlos (65), a mother of four, was killed while cycling in Co Cork, on September 13th.

She was in collision with a tractor in Cobh at about 1pm on the N28 Cork-Ringaskiddy Rd.

She was originally from Banagher, Co Offaly, but had been living in Cobh for many years.

Cllr Sinéad Sheppard, from Fine Gael, was a former neighbour of Ms Carlos and said everyone who knew the dead woman was greatly saddened.

“People in Cobh are absolutely shocked and so sad to hear the news. Annette was so well known in the community,” she said.

“You hear about accidents all the time but you never think it will happen to people in your own community.”

Ms Carlos, who had two sons and two daughters, formerly owned the Roaring Donkey pub in Cobh with her husband. The couple had retired from the business.

 

Pat Beakey (70) died while cycling in Co Meath last Sunday week, November 12th. He was in collision with a motorist in a car on the R153 near Kentstown.

GAA club St Colmcilles paid tribute to Pat saying he was its former player and remained a dedicated clubman to the time of his death.

“Sunday was a sad day for all St Colmcilles supporters with the passing of Pat Beakey, former player, volunteer and member of a great Cilles family,” the club said.

“A former player and regular volunteer at the club Pat was very active in maintenance work around the club and a brother of 1988 heroes Brendan and Paul, and uncle of Damien and Andrew.”

 

Ryan McCarthy (25) was killed last Friday, November 17th, while cycling at 1.30pm on White Church Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin. He was in collision with a road sweeper vehicle.

Ryan had been recently cycling with Orwell Wheelers CC and his sister Leah is a dedicated mountain bike ride.

His death was 13th time a cyclist was killed on the roads of the Republic this year.

Images of his bike under the vehicle involved shocked many and his death, and those that came before it, resulted it today’s Stop Killing Cyclists protest in Dublin.

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