Tributes have been paid to an off-duty garda who died following a crash in Co Clare.
The garda was named locally as Sergeant Andrew O'Riordan, who was a passenger.
He was killed in a single-vehicle crash near Broadford on Sunday evening last. Mr O'Riordan, a father of five, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of this vehicle, who was also aged in his 50s, was airlifted to University Hospital Limerick to be treated for serious injuries.
Sergeant O'Riordan, who was originally from Co Cork, had been based in Broadfoot, having been stationed within the Limerick Garda Division for over 20 years. He was most recently posted to Mayorstone Park Garda Station.
Following this tragic news, the Association Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI), described Sergeant O'Riordan as a "great colleague and friend" (quotes according to the Irish Independent).
The statement read: “There is a huge sense of shock and sadness among AGSI members today as we learned of the sudden and tragic passing of our great colleague and friend Sergeant Andrew O’Riordan".
“A family man first, he adored his wife and children. He was hugely committed to the job of An Garda Siochana, and his experience brought him to France for both study and service during the Olympics. He wore his uniform with great pride", they added.
Elsewhere, Caimin Treacy, who is an AGSI National Executive member, worked closely with Sergeant O'Riordan, and spoke of his "good fortune" to work with him, according to the Irish Independent.
“I had the good fortune of working with Andrew closely in Mayorstone for many years,” Caimin said.
“His wit, his intellect and his humour were legendary. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Andrew’s family at this heartbreaking time", he added. “We are all devastated, but we are here to provide support to his family and colleagues in whatever way we can".
Taking to social media, An Garda Síochána, Limerick also paid tribute to Andrew.
“An Garda Síochána in Limerick and colleagues across the organisation would like to express their condolences to the family of Sergeant Andrew O’Riordan (RIP) of Mayorstone Garda Station, Limerick, who passed away yesterday following a fatal road traffic collision", they said.
“A native of Blarney, County Cork, Sergeant Andrew O‘Riordain was a well-respected member of An Garda Síochána who served proudly for 28 years in the Limerick area".
“Our sympathies go out to Andrew’s wife Stephanie and their five children, parents Pat and Kathleen and sister Joanne".
Another person to pay tribute was Clare Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe, who offered his condolences to Sergeant O'Riordan's family at this difficult time.
“So saddening to hear of the death of Sergeant Andrew O’Riordan (Mayorstone Garda Station) who tragically lost his life in a road traffic accident in Broadford yesterday evening,” Deputy Crowe said.
“My deepest sympathies to Andrew’s grieving family - there are no words that can comfort all those who loved Andrew so deeply. Sympathies also to his colleagues who held him in such high esteem", he added. “Andrew - thank you for your incredible service to our local communities. You wore the uniform of An Garda Síochána with immense pride - light of heaven to your soul". (All quotes in this piece according to the Irish Independent).
