News Story

Tributes have been paid to a teenage boy killed in a hit-and-run collision in Co Clare.

The boy has been named locally as Bryan Lowe, a sixth form pupil at St Munchin’s College in Limerick.

His school described the 16-year-old as an “absolute gentleman” who “would do anything asked of him without complaint”.

Gardaí are seeking witnesses to the incident in Cloonlara, on the Clare-Limerick border, on Friday.

Shortly after 11pm, Gardaí were alerted after the teenager, who was riding an e-bike, was found unresponsive by the roadside on the L3050 at Cottage Cross.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A second vehicle involved failed to remain at the scene.

In a social media post, Lorraine Shiels, the deputy principal of St Munchin’s, said the school had learned of Bryan’s death with “profound sadness”.

She said: “It is heartbreaking to lose one of our boys at any time but particularly while they are still a student in our school.

“Bryan should be looking ahead to his Leaving Certificate, to his future and to all the possibilities that lay before him.

“Instead, we are coming together to mourn one of our students whose life has been taken far too soon.”

She added: “Bryan was an absolute gentleman to meet on the corridor.

“He would do anything asked of him without complaint.

“There was a lovely kindness to him and a big heart.

“He will be sorely missed by everyone in our community.”

Ms Shiels said the school will be open on Sunday from midday for any students who would like to come for a cup of tea.

A Garda spokesperson said: “The scene has been preserved for examination by Garda forensic collision investigators, and local traffic diversions are currently in place.

“The coroner has been notified and a post-mortem examination will be arranged.

“Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

“Road users who were in the Cloonlara area at the time and may have camera footage (including dashcam) are asked to make it available to investigating gardaí.”

Anyone with information can contact Henry Garda Station on (061) 212400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.