TRIBUTES have been paid to a 17-year-old cyclist who was killed after he fell into the path of a minibus this week.
Max Mason, from Mornington in Co. Meath, lost his life on a road in nearby Bettystown on Tuesday evening.
It's understood that Max was riding home from the gym shortly after 5pm on March 20 when he was struck on Golf Links Road.
The schoolboy tragically fell in front of a minibus that was travelling in the same direction.
The driver, a man in his mid-50s, was uninjured in the crash but is said to be very upset by what happened.
'Great sadness'
Well-liked Max was a 5th year pupil at Coláiste na hInse school in Bettystown.
St Colmcille's GAA Club, who the teen used to play for, shared a lovely tribute on Facebook.
They said: "It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of ex Club member and Colaiste na hInse 5th year student Max Mason following a tragic accident on Golf Links Road.
"We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his mum Tracy, the Woods family and all his friends.
"Ar dheis De do raibh a anam."
Local Fine Gael councillor and board member at Max's school, Sharon Tolan, said the local community is in shock.
"Friends and people who knew him, there is just shock, the whole community is devastated by what happened," she said.
"This is such a huge thing for young people to have to deal with."
A post on RIP.ie reads: "Max Mason, Jaskin View, Tower Road, Mornington, Co. Meath. 20th March 2018, following a road traffic accident.
"Max will be sadly missed by his heartbroken mother Tracy, his grandparents Noel and Claire Woods and grandmother Nora Mason, his many aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and large circle of friends."
Appeal
Gardai have appealed for any witnesses to the collision to come forward.
A Garda spokesman said: "A 17 year old boy was cycling his pedal cycle when he collided with a mini-bus.
"The pedal cyclist was fatally injured and his body has been removed to Navan Mortuary. A post mortem will be conducted in the coming days. The male bus driver (mid 50s) was uninjured.
"Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on 01.8010600 , The Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station."
Funeral arrangements for Max are to be revealed later in the week.
See More: Bus Crash, Cyclist Death, Irish Teenager, Meath, Tributes
