Tributes have been paid following the death of a Cork-born off-duty garda who was killed in a crash in Co Clare on Sunday.
The incident happened at around 5.30pm on the R466 at Gortnaglogh, Broadford.
Sergeant Andrew O’Riordan, aged in his 50s, was found dead at the scene.
The driver of the car, a man also in his 50s, was airlifted to University Hospital Limerick to receive treatment for serious injuries.
In a statement, gardaí in Limerick paid tribute to the late Garda Sergeant who was stationed at Mayorstone Garda Station.
“A native of Blarney, Co Cork, Sergeant Andrew O’Riordain was a well-respected member of An Garda Síochána who served proudly for 28 years in the Limerick area,” they said.
“Our sympathies go out to Andrew’s wife Stephanie and their five children, parents Pat and Kathleen and sister Joanne.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam,” they added.
TD for the Clare area, Cathal Crowe, expressed his “deepest sympathies to Andrew’s grieving family”.
“There are no words that can comfort all those who loved Andrew so deeply. Sympathies also to his colleagues who held him in such high esteem,” he said.
“Andrew – thank you for your incredible service to our local communities. You wore the uniform of An Garda Síochána with immense pride – light of heaven to your soul,” he added.
Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Damian Boylan described the death of Sgt O’Riordan as “an utter tragedy.”
“This is heartbreaking for his wife and children, I can’t imagine their suffering and pain,” said Mr Boylan.
“It is such a tragic loss. I offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to them during this time.”
Sinn Féin councillor for the Cork city North West ward, Kenneth Collins said his thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of Sgt O’Riordan.
“This is very sad news for the family of the garda who was unfortunately killed in a road traffic accident over the weekend,” said Mr Collins.
“I know he lived and was stationed in Limerick for 28 years, [but] he was born and bred in Blarney. It’s tragic,” he said.
“My heart goes out to the family, his friends and his colleagues.
“It’s desperate. No one deserves to die in a road accident, it’s very, very sad,” Mr Collins added.
Chairperson of the Blarney & District Chamber of Commerce, Marlene Griffin said the loss of Sgt O’Riordan “hits close to home”.
“Gardaí are such an important part of our community, and a loss of anybody who has spent their life helping their community is a huge loss,” said Ms Griffin.
“I’m sure I can speak for everybody in the chamber when I say we offer huge condolences to his family and friends.
“It’s very sad, especially when it’s someone from the village – it hits close to home.
“It’s just terrible, I don’t think we realise a person’s reach until they’re gone.”
Sgt O’Riordan, survived by his wife Stephanie and children Amélie, Steffen, Gabrielle, Jonathan and Axel, will repose in St Peter’s Church in Broadford on Thursday from 5pm to 7pm.
A funeral Mass will take place on Friday at 12pm and will be followed by his burial at the church grounds.
Gardaí had earlier appealed to anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ennis Garda Station on (065) 684 8100, the garda confidential line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
“Investigations are ongoing,” a garda spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday.