Antrim GAA pay tribute to Belfast man killed in tragic road accident in Sydney

Ryan Straney

Antrim GAA has led the tributes to Ryan Straney after the Belfast man died in a tragic road accident in Sydney on Monday.

In what has been described as a “tragic accident”, a 96-year-old man drove a vehicle south in the northbound lane of Sydney’s M1 Pacific Motorway.

A crash happened at around 4.40 am local time, with the elderly man’s vehicle colliding with three vehicles travelling northbound.

Ryan Straney, 27, was in one of the northbound vehicles and died at the scene.

The 96-year-old man was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for mandatory testing and minor injuries.

A truck driver, 35, was taken to Hornsby Hospital for mandatory testing, while a male driver, 39, was also taken to Royal North Shore Hospital with minor injuries and mandatory testing.

New South Wales Police said: “An investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

“A report will be prepared with the information of the Coroner.”

Ryan was a senior footballer with Lamh Dhearg GAC in west Belfast and much-loved member of the community.

Antrim GAA has offered their heartfelt condolences: “We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Lámh Dhearg CLG and the entire community on the shock passing of Ryan Straney.

“Ryan was a member of their Senior Football team and has been in Australia. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends at this deeply sad time.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Ryan was described as a “beloved son of Vincent and Sharon, loving brother to Declan and Calum, and a cherished grandson of Geordie and Theresa. He will be sadly missed by his wider family circle and friends at home and abroad.”

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