The cyclist who was sadly killed on a group ride in Co Wexford on Sunday afternoon has been named as Mark Flood, a very popular member of Barrow Wheelers Cycling Cycling.
Mark was killed at around 1pm on the R731 Ballywilliam to Rathnure Road when he crashed while riding within the group. All the circumstances of the incident in which he lost his life are now under investigation by local gardaí. It is understood no driver or vehicle was involved in the fatal incident.
Barrow Wheelers led the tributes to him, saying: "Yesterday we lost one of our heroes. Rest in peace our forever loved friend Mark Flood."
Wexford Wheelers also paid tribute to him, saying: "Deepest sympathy to our friends in Barrow Wheelers on the tragic death of Mark. A great ambassador of cycling in the South East."
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Mark was well known in cycling circles in the South East and also owned Brooks Jewellers and gift shop in New Ross, where he lived.
Wexford-based Cllr Anthony Connick (Ind) told the Irish Independent he had known Mark for years, describing him as a gentleman, which was a sentiment repeated by many who left tributes and expressed their shock on social media at his passing.
"He was a joy to know,” Cllr Connick said. "He was a really honourable man. He was the nicest man you could meet. The whole town is shocked. I’m devastated to hear the news.
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"I knew him as a local businessman and a friend. He was very much into keeping fit and was an active member of the local Barrow Wheelers cycling club."
Phil Skelton, a well known safer cycling campaigner from Co Wexford, described Mark as "one of life’s true gentlemen", adding his thoughts and prayers were "with Mark’s family and to his club mates at Barrow Wheelers".
Many stickybottle readers left tributes on Facebook after the dreadful news of Mark's death was confirmed in a statement by Garda Headquarters in Dublin on Sunday night.
"A great character in Wexford Cycling for last 20 years … a nice genuine rider who loved cycling," said one. "Terrible loss. RIP Mark and condolences to the Flood family and all at the Barrow Wheelers. So sorry for your loss."
Said another: "Such sad news. Mark was a real gentleman, a friendly word for everyone. May he rest in peace. Condolences to Mary and all Mark's family."
We extend our deepest condolences to Mark's wife, Mary, and daughters, Rachel and Sarah, as well as all of his family and many friends, including those in Barrow Wheelers and others in Wexford cycling.
Funeral arrangements are available by following this link
