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Rugby

21st Aug 2024

Tributes paid to Cork rugby player who died in Kerry crash

Ryan Price

The 23-year-old was the star of his local rugby team.

Tributes have been paid to a promising young rugby player who tragically lost his life in a single-vehicle collision near Ballyheigue, County Kerry over the weekend.

Craig O’Herlihy, from Frankfield, Cork, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident at 7:20am on Sunday morning.

According to RIP.ie, the Douglas native is survived by his parents Edward and Christine (née Connolly) and siblings Ryan, Luke and Ross.

He was a promising rugby player who had represented Munster at Under 17 and 18 level and played in the All-Ireland League with Dolphin RFC in Cork City.

He made his All-Ireland League Debut at just 18 and had made 35 appearances for the club in all competitions.

A statement from Dolphin Rugby Football Club described Craig as a “great clubman”.

“Everyone in Dolphin was devastated to learn of the tragic road accident and death of our senior team player, Craig O’Herlihy, at just 23.

“Craig had a larger than life personality, a love for rugby and in particular Dolphin RFC. A great clubman, always willing to help out, and a great supporter of other teams. Everyone knew Craig and he was very popular, he had that way about him.”

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the collision in Ballyheigue on Sunday morning to come forward.

“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time of the incident between 6.30am and 7.30am today, Sunday, August 18, 2024, are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí,” a garda spokesperson added.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Listowel Garda Station on 068 50820, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

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