John Byrne, an Irish club cyclist from Co Wexford, crashed and was fatally injured during a weekend ride in Co Wexford
Irish club rider John Byrne (51) sadly died of injuries he sustained in a crash while riding off-road on Sunday in Co Wexford. A member of Hush MTB, he was fatally injured after crashing in the wooded area of Askamore at lunchtime.
From Craanford, and formerly of Camolin, John was pronounced deceased at the scene after medics rushed to the area when the alarm was raised.
As well as being well known in the local cycling community, John had run his own firm - John Byrne Concrete Cutting (JBCC) - since the 1990s. He also raised money for, and donated to, several charities.
Cycling Ireland has issued a statement paying tribute to him and extending its sympathies to John's wife, Elaine, and children, Stuart, Luke, Abbie and Natasha.
"This tragic event has shaken the cycling community," Cycling Ireland said. "Aged 51, John was mountain biking in Co. Wexford on Sunday when the accident happened. Emergency services were called to the scene.
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"A Cycling Ireland member, and an active member of Hush MTB in Wicklow, John enjoyed off-road cycling.
"John was well-known in the cycling community and in the wider community. Tributes have been paid across social media."
John's family issued a statement and tribute through his company's social media accounts, saying it was "with deep sadness" they confirmed "our beloved John" had died.
“A beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and a friend to anyone he met. John loved life and lived it to the fullest. He will be forever missed by us all,” they said.
Cathaoirleach of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Cllr Donal Kenny, said John had invested greatly in the community through the local GAA club and his entrepreneurship.
“John was a real community man. He kept himself in good shape, done a lot of cycling, jogging and running," he said, adding his passing was a "huge loss"
“He was an entrepreneur. He had worked up a great business. It's one of those things that only really hits home when it hits your own parish,” he added. "On behalf of the community, we're all numb with shock, just devastated.”
