A YOUNG Irishman has died in hospital just hours after his motorbike collided with a car in Australia on Sunday.
Tiarnan Rafferty, 22, was originally from Galbally, Co. Tyrone and was the son of Saoradh politician Sharon Jordan.
It's understood that Tiarnan was the rider of a motorcycle that was involved in a crash with a car in Marrickville, west Sydney at around 2pm yesterday.
He was treated at the scene by paramedics from New South Wales Ambulance before being rushed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a critical condition.
Tragically, Mr Rafferty was later pronounced dead.
The female driver of the other vehicle involved in the incident was uninjured.
Police in Sydney said: “Just before 2pm, emergency services were called to the intersection of Sydenham Road and Malakoff Street, Marrickville, following reports of a crash between a car and a motorcycle.
“The rider, a man in his 20s was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a critical condition.
“The driver of the car was not injured, and she was taken to hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing”.
Tributes have been pouring in for tragic Tiarnan, whose mother Sharon was the national treasurer of the republican party Saoradh.
The party said in a statement: “Saoradh, wish to express our heartfelt condolences to our national treasurer Sharon Jordan, on the sudden passing of her son Tiarnan Rafferty, following an accident in Australia.
“The thoughts and prayers of all Saoradh Activists are with the Jordan and Rafferty families at this time.”
Meanwhile, a friend paid tribute on Facebook, writing: “Sleep tight Tiarnan Rafferty, life and sole [sic] of every party, lost a great friend!”
Another added: “Shocking sad news the world has lost a great lad. My thoughts and prayers are with all family and friends.”
