Dunboyne funeral for road death cyclist

The funeral of Irish international cyclist Paul Healion will take place in Dunboyne on Thursday. The 31 year-old was killed in a road collision near Ardee on Sunday night. His remains are reposing at the residence of his brother-in-law, Michael King, Loughter Hill, Rathcore, Enfield, from where they will be removed on Thursday morning at 10am. Originally from Dunboyne, 31-year-old Mr Healion was killed in a single vehicle crash at around 10.25pm on Sunday night at Glack, near Ardee, on the Drumconrath Road. His car burst into flames after it hit a tree. The Minister for Sport, Martin Cullen, this week led the tributes from Government and sporting organisations. Mr Healion was due to take part in the Tour of Ireland which begins on Friday, as a member of the seven-man Irish team. He will not be replaced on the team and a minute's silence will be observed in his memory on the opening day of the race. Predeceased by his father, he is survived in addition to his wife by his mother, Mary; family and other relatives. Minister Martin Cullen expressed is sadness on the death of Mr Healion, saying: "His untimely, sudden death in a week when everyone was looking forward to his performance in the opening stages of the Tour of Ireland makes it all the more poignant and difficult to come to terms with. "Paul quite rightly would have had great expectations for this weekend's cycling as he was certainly enjoying his best season to date. His passing will be mourned not only by his family, team mates and friends, but also by the wider cycling fraternity." The Irish Sports Council, which had grant-funded to the cyclist, said it was very sorry to hear of his untimely death, and expressed its sympathies to Mr Healion's family at this sad time. Numerous tributes have been paid in an online book of condolences on www.irishcycling.com, including from local and international cycling figures and various clubs from around the country. Gardai in Ardee are investigating the circumstances of the fatal collision, in which his car burst into flames after crashing into a tree. The road was closed until Monday morning to facilitate a forensic collision investigation. Witnesses are asked to contact the Gardai in Ardee on (041) 685 3222 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.