A man who was killed while out walking near his home in Tipperary has been named as the former chairman of the local GAA club.
John "Toddler" Maher, 67, died at the scene when he was struck by a car on the N24 at Townspark, Carrick-on-Suir, at around 7.30pm on Sunday.
John was well-known in the local community of Carrick-on-Suir, especially for his involvement as a former chairperson at St Molleran's GAA club.
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The community was left reeling in shock after news of the tragedy emerged and a large number of tributes poured in.
In an emotional tribute on Facebook St. Mollerans GAA Club described him as the "face of the club" and said that "to say we are heartbroken at his loss is an understatement".
The GAA club wrote: "A terrible pall of grief descended over St. Mollerans GAA Club last night (Sunday) with the awful news that our friend and clubman John (Toddler) Maher had lost his life following an accident near his home.
"John was a staunch Mollerans man. He represented the club with distinction on and off the pitch, as a player and administrator. John was our Chairman when our refurbished grounds was reopened some years ago.
"In latter years, he was the driving force behind our weekly Club Development Lotto and Christmas draws. Many people in town saw John as the face of the club and indeed he was known far and wide as our Field Co-ordinator. To say we are heartbroken at his loss is an understatement.
"Our grief however pales in to insignificance compared to that of John's beloved wife Kay, his children, siblings and extended family. To them we extend our deepest sympathies."
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
The driver of the car involved in the crash, a 42-year-old man, was taken to Tipperary University Hospital for treatment and his injuries were said to be non-life threatening.
In a statement, gardai appealed for witnesses or dashcam footage, writing: “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 on the N24 at Townspark, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary, between 7pm and 8pm are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Clonmel Garda Station on 052 617 7640, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
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