Galway crash victim was All-Ireland GAA football winner
Micheál Joseph King was part of the Galway minor football team that won the All Ireland in 1960
A cyclist who was struck by a car in Connemara on Monday and died in hospital two days later was an All Ireland minor winner, having been part of the Galway football team that beat Cork in the final in 1960.
Micheál Joseph King, who was in his 80s, died from injuries sustained in the accident at University Hospital Galway (UHG) on Wednesday – just two days short of the 66th anniversary of his All Ireland triumph.
He was struck by a car on the R341 outside Ballyconneely around 2:40pm as he cycled home from the village. He was rushed by ambulance to hospital but was pronounced dead on Wednesday.
He was described as a “gentleman” by local councillor Gerry King, who offered his sympathies to Mr King’s family and described his death as an unfortunate tragedy.
Mr King, who lived in Ballyconneely, was predeceased by his parents Mark and Agnes, his daughter Jodie, and his siblings Maisie, Stephen, Nonie, Paddy, Agnes, Nancy, and Marcus.
He is survived by his brothers Jack, Brian, and Thomas; sisters Peggy, Bridget, and Kathleen, as well as his extended family, neighbours, and friends.
The Galway minor football team that defeated Cork by 4-9 to 1-5 on September 25, 1960 formed part of the talent pool that later fed into the county’s famous senior three-in-a-row success.
Gardaí are continuing to appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision around 3pm on Monday to come forward.
A Garda spokesman told Galway Live: “Gardaí continue to appeal for witnesses following a serious injury road traffic collision that occurred on the R341 Ballyconneely Road in Clifden, Co Galway on Monday, September 21.
“The collision - involving a car and a bicycle - occurred at approximately 2:40pm. The cyclist, a man in his 80s, was brought by ambulance to University Hospital Galway (UHG) for treatment of serious injuries. He was since pronounced deceased on Wednesday, September 23.”
Gardaí are looking to speak with anyone who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, and were travelling in the area of the R341 between Ballyconneely and Roundstone between 2:15pm and 3pm that day.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Clifden Garda Station on 095 22500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station,” the spokesman added.
A funeral Mass for Mr King will take place in Ballyconneely on Monday with burial afterwards at Ballyconneely New Cemetery.