Tributes paid following death of talented GAA player and musician in Roscommon crash

Rian Sheridan

Tributes have been pouring in for a talented musician and GAA player who died following a crash on Wednesday night in Co Roscommon.

Rian Sheridan, 25, passed away after a crash involving a lorry and the car which he was driving on the N61 Athlone Road at Newtown before 10pm.

A native of Cluainluáin in Renvyle, Co Galway, Rian was a talented musician and played football with Kilbride GAA in Roscommon, who paid tribute to him with a touching post on social media.

They said in a statement: “Kilbride Gaa club wish to extend our deepest sympathies on the tragic and untimely passing of Rian Sheridan to Rian’s parents, sisters and the extended Sheridan family of Renvyle, his loving girlfriend Áine and the Griffin family.

“Rian has been part of the Kilbride community for many years and more recently transferred from Renvyle joining Kilbride Gaa club as a player in 2024. He played at full back with distinction for the Intermediate team’s first two league games. In his short few months training and playing with Kilbride he made a lasting impression as a person of integrity who was dedicated, kind and friendly. He will be sorely missed as part of the club.

“As a mark of respect to the Sheridan and Griffin families no matches will take place until after the funeral mass in Renvyle church on Monday next. The Intermediate team that he was already a leader on will retire the number 3 jersey for the upcoming season.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Áine, his parents sisters and extended family at this incredibly difficult time.”

A number of people also paid tribute to Rian online, with one writing: “Just heartbreaking news. My deepest sympathies to his family & his beautiful girlfriend Aine & the Griffin family at this very sad time. May God give them all the strength to get through this & give the best bed in heaven to Rian. R.I.P.

Someone else commented: “Such terrible sad news . A fine young man. May he rest in Peace. Condolences to Rian’s family and friends.”

Another person said: “So so sad . Thoughts and prayers with all of Rians family and friends and the whole Kilbride Gaa family , may he Rest in peace.”

Rian is survived by his parents Finian and Maria, sisters Ciara, Doireann and Aebhin and girlfriend Aine. His requiem mass will take place on Easter Monday in Renvyle at 12 noon.

Gardai have appealed for anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage or dash-cam footage and were traveling on the N61 at Newtown at the time of the collision are asked to make footage available to gardai.

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