TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved Limerick man who died in a tragic motorcycle crash shortly after volunteering at a charity event.
John Sheehan (57), from Lisduane, Granagh, Kilmallock, died when he came off his motorbike while traveling home last Sunday (October 12).
Funeral Mass for the late Mr Sheehan will take place at 11.30am this Thursday at St Joseph’s Church, Granagh, followed by burial in the local cemetery.
Mr Sheehan, who was predeceased by his father Edward, and is survived by his mother Elizabeth, sisters Elizabeth and Bridie, and partner Ann, was a “great community man who was always on hand to help others”, said family friend and Limerick TD Richard O’Donoghue, who is involved in vintage clubs in Limerick.
“John was actually marshalling with his biker friends out at a vintage run that morning to raise money for the Rockhill-Bruree defibrillator,” said Deputy O’Donoghue.
“I was with him the week before in Strand, all the bikers come out at weekends when these events are held and they do all the stewarding for us.”
Deputy O’Donoghue said Mr Sheehan “drove machines all his life, and he was recently working with the OPW on contract and had got a crane licence and a digger license.”
Paying tribute, Mr O’Donoghue said Mr Sheehan was “a highly spirited man, great craic, and people loved having him around”.
”Everyone in the biking community, which I’m involved myself, are all heartbroken at hearing of his death, and in the last five or six weeks we have lost four of the biking community within the local area.
“John lived life to the full, he loved the fun, he loved the craic, and he just loved being part of it all. God rest his soul.”
Gardaí investigating the single-vehicle collision, on the R519 at Callahow, Dromcollogher, appealed for anyone who may have witnessed it to contact them.
“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dashcam) and were travelling in the area between 6.15pm and 7.15pm on Sunday 12th October 2025, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí,” said a Garda spokesman.
As a matter of normal procedure, the collision scene was examined by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Henry Street Garda Station on 061 212 400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
