Tributes flood in for 'larger than life' young rugby player killed in horror Kerry crash

Tributes have been paid to a young Cork man who died in a crash in Ballyheigue, Co Kerry over the weekend. 

23-year-old Craig O'Herlihy lost his life in the single-vehicle collision at Keel in Ballyheigue, which is believed to have occurred at about 7.20am on Sunday morning. 

Mr O'Herlihy was pronounced dead at the scene and no other injuries were reported.

A promising young rugby player, Mr O'Herlihy's club Dolphin RFC described him as a "larger than life personality" and said everyone in the club was "devastated" at the news in a touching statement issued on Tuesday. 

"Everyone in Dolphin was devastated to learn of the tragic road accident and death of our Senior Team player, Craig O’Herlihy at just 23," the statement began. "Craig had a larger than life personality, a love for rugby and in particular Dolphin RFC. A great clubman, always willing to help out, and a great supporter of other teams. Everyone knew Craig and he was very popular, he had that way about him.

"Craig enjoyed the after-match feed as much as those Munster games and training sessions, persuading Billy Black to stop off with himself and Will. The garage outside of Carrigaline was always good for a chicken roll, savoury crepes in the Douglas Market would hit the spot, but his favourite was chicken and Jo jos from drumstix in Ballincollig.

"He made the first of his 35 AIL appearances for the club at just 18, he was a try scorer in the Playoff Final v Galwegians just four months ago.

"Our deepest condolences to his heart broken parents, Ed & Christine, brothers Ryan, Luke and Ross.

"Rest easy Doughnuts," the club signed off the heartbreaking statement. 

Craig is survived by his parents Edward and Christine and his brothers Ryan, Luke and Ross, according to his death notice on RIP.ie. 

He will be "sadly missed by his loving parents, brothers, grandfather, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and a wide circle of friends".

Craig will be reposing at the Temple Hill Funeral Home, Boreenmanna Road on Thursday, August 22 from 5.00pm to 6.00pm.

His Funeral Mass will take place at 11am on Friday, August 23 in the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Ballinlough with funeral afterwards in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Blackrock.