‘Great young lad’ – Tributes paid after GAA player tragically dies in Australia crash

He had previously played for the Antrim minors squad.

27-year-old Ryan Straney from Belfast died in the early hours of Monday, April 15, following a "multiple vehicle crash" on a Sydney motorway.

New South Wales Police released a statement saying that the incident happened just before 4.40am on the Pacific Motorway.

The incident involved a 96-year-old man who reportedly drove his car onto the wrong side of the road. Police say that the man was taken to hospital for mandatory testing and minor injuries.

Two other drivers, a truck driver, 35, and a male driver, 39, were also taken to hospital, per the police report.

Police say "an investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the crash."

'Great young lad' - Tributes paid after GAA player tragically dies in Australia crash

Mr Straney, who was from west Belfast, was a senior GAA player with Lámh Dhearg GAC and had previously played for the Antrim minors squad.

He reportedly moved to Australia to start work as a civil engineer at the end of last year.

A death notice for Mr Straney reads: "Beloved son of Vincent and Sharon, loving brother to Declan and Calum. Cherished grandson of Geordie and Theresa.

"He will be sadly missed by his wider family circle and friends at home and abroad."

In a statement posted to social media, a spokesperson for Antrim GAA said: “We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Lámh Dhearg CLG and the entire community on the shock passing of Ryan Straney.

“Ryan was a member of their Senior Football team and has been in Australia. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends at this deeply sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Others on social media paid tribute to the Belfast man, with one saying, "I had the pleasure of meeting this young man through some family members God bless Ryan may you RIP."

Another said: "Awful news ! Great young lad who stayed with us when his school came to Philadelphia. May He Rest in Peace."

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