Funeral of Connemara road traffic victim to take place on Easter Monday

Tributes have been paid to Connemara man Rian Sheridan who was killed in a road traffic collision in Co Roscommon on Wednesday evening and who will be laid to rest on Easter Monday.

Rian Sheridan of Cluainluáin, Renvyle, Co Galway was tragically killed when his car was struck by a lorry on the N61 Athlone to Roscommon Road at Newtown shortly before 10pm on Wednesday evening.

Mr Sheridan who was the driver of the car was removed from the scene to Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe, where he was later pronounced dead.

His funeral Mass will take place in Christ the King Church in Tullycross on Easter Monday at 12 Noon followed by burial in Renvyle Cemetery.

A talented musician, Rian performed regularly at traditional music festivals around the country, such as the Clifden Tradfest.

A dairy farmer, he lived with his girlfriend Áine Griffin in her home place of Four Mile Town in Co Roscommon and recently transferred to play football with the Kilbride GAA Club.

A number of tributes have been made to Rian following his tragic death with Kilbride GAA Club extending their condolences to the Sheridan and Griffin families.

“Rian has been part of the Kilbride community for many years and more recently transferred from Renvyle joining Kilbride GAA 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,” the Kilbride club wrote on their Facebook page and as a mark of respect no matches will take place after the funeral Mass on Monday.

The Renvyle GAA Club stated on their Facebook page that they are 'truly heartbroken' to learn of the tragic passing of Rian.

“Rian was a fine young man who inspired those around him, both on and off the pitch. He was talented in so many areas of life, with his love for GAA, music and farming being just some of those. When Rian set foot on the pitch, he always gave it his all, like he did with everything in life,” they stated.

Both clubs expressed their sympathies to Rian's parents, Finian and Maria Sheridan; his girlfriend, Áine Griffin; sisters, Ciara, Doireann and Aebhín and the extended Sheridan and Griffin families.

Before his Funeral Mass on Monday, Rian will repose in Christ the King Church, Tullycross on Easter Sunday, March 31 from 4pm to 7pm.