A motorcyclist tragically killed in a crash involving a tractor in Co Longford yesterday has been remembered as a "gentle giant".
He has been named locally as Sean (Seanie) Reilly, Cloonaugh, Drumlish, Co Longford.
The auto electrician specialist, who originally hailed from Longford town, was pronounced dead at the scene of the two-vehicle crash that occurred at Esker South, Ballinalee, Co Longford at around 1:30pm.
READ MORE - Gardaí appeal for witnesses following fatal collision involving 'tractor and motorcycle' in Longford
Mr Reilly was a long time motorbike enthusiast and was well known for his involvement in a number of charity events locally.
News of the Longford man's tragic passing has prompted a flood of tributes from across the local community.
In a heartbreaking post on its Facebook page this morning, Drumlish Foroige said locals had been left stunned at the tragedy.
"Sending our deepest sympathies to our leader Sinead on the heartbreaking loss of her Husband Seanie," read the post.
"To Katie, Darragh, Peter, Seanie's Mother Mary, family and close friends, we are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts are with you all during this hard unbearable time.
"Seanie was a gentle giant, always smiling. He was truly one of the best ones. He will be deeply missed."
Mr Reilly was also a member of Devil’s Disciples Motorcycle Club who, yesterday, told its followers of the tragedy.
"It is with great regret that we announce the loss of our brother Seanie (Bull) Reilly who lost his life tragically today," it stated.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, family, and all his brothers. R.I.P."
Several other of the late Mr Reilly’s friends likewise took to social media to express their own disbelief.
"A gent and good friend, I will miss making you tea and having the banter," wrote one friend, while another simply wrote: "RIP Seanie, a good character, man and friend."
Those sentiments were shared by local councillors Paraic Brady and Gerry Hagan.
"Seanie surely was a gentle giant," said Cllr Brady.
"He was well respected and so was his family. I got to know Seanie well through his involvement in various fundraising initiatives that were held in the local area and he was every bit the pure gentleman."
Longford Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr Gerry Hagan said the local community had been left numbed by the news.
"It’s an awful, awful tragedy to happen," he said.
"He was a young man, a family man who came from a very well respected family in the area.
"My heartfelt sympathies go out to his partner, family and friends at this most difficult time."
Gardaí, meanwhile, are continuing to try to piece together the circumstances which led up to yesterday’s crash and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
"Forensic Collision Investigators have conducted an examination of the scene," said a garda spokesperson.
"Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.
"Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the Esker South area of Ballinalee between 1pm and 1:45pm are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Longford Garda Station on 043 335 0570, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
READ NEXT:
- Sandwith Street scenes condemned as Gardai confirm arrest
- Ukrainian Eurovision entry hometown reportedly hit by missiles moments before performance
- Phillip Schofield branded 'obnoxious, horrible man' by TV star amid co-star 'feud'
- Gardaí appeal for witnesses following fatal collision involving 'tractor and motorcycle' in Longford
- Urgent recall of Tesco chicken goujons due to Salmonella fears
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here
