Cyclist who fell ill and collapsed after dropping back from his training group on a climb died despite efforts to revive him and the arrival of an ambulance.
The sudden death of an experienced and well known mountain biker has occurred in Killarney, Co Kerry.
Michael Scully, who was in his 50s and from Kilmallock, Co Limerick, died yesterday while out on a training spin with Mountain Bike Club of Cork (MBCC).
Michael, whose brother Stephen was one of a handful of mountain bikers out on the ride, fell ill on a trail close to Molly Darcy’s pub just outside Killarney.
The area is a very popular route with mountain bikers and walkers.
The group had been riding along together when Michael suddenly tailed off the back on a short incline.
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When the others went back for him, Michael complained of feeling unwell and struggled to catch his breath before collapsing.
Emergency personnel were called while those present, including Michael’s brother, tried to revive him.
An ambulance arrived on the scene a short time later and brought Michael to hospital.
However, he was very sadly pronounced dead.
A post mortem to determine the exact cause of death is due to be carried out in the coming days.
Niall O’Donovan, the former chairman of MBCC, said Michael’s death was a tragedy and that everyone who knew him was in shock.
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“It is unbelievable really that something like this could happen to a healthy man,” he said.
“Michael had been mountain biking a few years and was very well liked by everyone in the club.
"He was a willing volunteer and you never had any issues with him.
“We’re still waiting to hear how he died, and when he actually passed away.
"We know very little at this time, other than it is a tragic incident."
Mr O'Donovan added the fact Michael's brother was present and was one of those who tried to revive him was especially difficult.
"The ambulance had to come through a forest barrier and they were on a trail off the road so it was a worst case scenario, really,” Mr O'Donovan said.
Michael was originally from Kilmallock but had been living in Tralee.
From all of us at here at stickybottle we offer our deepest sympathies to the Scully family at such a very sad and difficult time.
We would also like to extend our sympathies and our thoughts to those who were with Michael when he took ill, especially to his brother Stephen, and to all of his friends at MBCC.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
At the time of writing there were no funeral arrangements available but we will share those details when they have been announced.
