Cycling community in shock as young Irish rider dies on Tour de France trip
Comeragh Cycling Club said that Tomás Walsh, 25, died after being electrocuted in a Paris Metro station. While details of the tragedy remained unclear, messages of sympathy flooded in last night for his devastated family.
In a post on social media, the club announced: 'It is with great sadness that we have learned that our clubmate and friend, young Tomás Walsh, has lost his life in France. We're truly shattered by this news and extend our sincerest condolences to all his family and friends. Tomás Walsh. Pic: Comeragh Cycling Club/Facebook
'Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.'
In a further statement, a club spokesperson said: 'Tomás suffered an electrocution in a Metro station in Paris on Monday morning. Full details still a bit unclear at the moment. He was 25 since April.
'Tomás joined us in his teenage years and had some great success on the bike at both underage and senior level. He'll be sorely missed by his family, friends and anyone who came across him in the world of cycling.' Tomás Walsh. Pic: Comeragh Cycling Club/Facebook
Among the many messages of support and shock, a fellow cyclist wrote that he 'had the privilege of racing against Tomás during underage years, and also hosting him at the Rás Mumhan a few years ago'.
Another person said: 'That's terrible news. I remember him riding the youth races we used to organise in Faugheen. A lovely young man.'
'Such a pleasant young man with the world in front of him,' wrote a friend, while another described him as a 'legend, to say the least'. Tomás Walsh. Pic: Comeragh Cycling Club/Facebook
'A really great lad' and a 'credit to his parents' were among the other descriptions of Tomás. Funeral details are yet to be announced.
Tomás had attended the Irish-language school Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge in Waterford. On the Facebook page of the Waterford radio station WLR, many people who knew his family, and his dedication to cycling, paid tribute.
'Rest in Peace Tomás, heartbreaking for Frank, Bernie, Caoimhe and Bronagh,' one person wrote, referring to the deceased's family members, while another wrote: 'Condolences to Bernie and his two sisters and Nanny. May his gentle soul rest in Heavenly Peace.'
One woman wrote: 'Heartbreaking news. Sincere condolences to Bernie and all Tomás' family. May he rest in peace.'
Another man wrote: 'My sincerest condolences to Frank and family. We are all in shock. Tomás was such a lovely, enthusiastic lad, a breath of fresh air. May he rest in peace.'
Many people commented on how sociable and kind the deceased was. 'Tomás was such a lovely young man, so, so sad. God bless him. A pleasure to talk to,' one person wrote, while another penned: 'He was a good one. lovely bloke always chat to you. Thinking of Frank and Bernie and sisters at this time. Rest easy Tomás.'
Irish cycling fans have been flocking to watch the Tour de France, where Ireland's Ben Healy held the yellow jersey for two days last week.
Healy produced another courageous ride on yesterday's Stage 16, attacking early on Mont Ventoux and holding firm in the breakaway, only to be edged out in the final sprint by France's Valentin Paret-Peintre, securing second place and the day's combativity award.
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