Cyclist who died after crash in Roscommon is named as tributes are paid to 'absolute gentleman'

A cyclist from Dublin who died in an accident in County Roscommon at the weekend has been given his last respects.

The body of the cyclist, who was aged around 50, was discovered in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, at around 2am on Sunday 15 September. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cyclist has since been listed as the father of four children Marcus Phelan, originally from Churchtown in south Dublin and formerly from Courttown in County Wicklow. His obituary states that he was the loving husband of Catriona and devoted father to Liam, Anna, Emily and Ayla.

“He is sadly missed by his family: his mother Anne, his father Pat, his siblings Caroline, Aisling, Niall, Michelle and Julianne and their partners Sinead, Kevin and Marcus A., his nieces, nephews, extended family and friends,” his obituary continued.

Following his death, Mr Phelan received numerous messages of condolence. He was described as an “absolute gentleman” and a “genuine, kind-hearted and helpful person”.

“Sincere condolences to Marcus' family, very sad news,” wrote one mourner. “Attended the Occupational Health and Safety course with him at UCD. Marcus was a gentleman, a genuine, kind and helpful person. May he rest in peace.”

“Our deepest condolences go out to Ann and the entire extended Phelan family on the sad loss of a son, father, brother and husband,” wrote another. “He will be missed by all, may he rest in peace, RIP,” while another added: “Sincere condolences to Catriona, Liam, Anna, Emily, Ayla and all of Marcus' family. He was a gentleman and great company. May he rest in peace.”

“Marcus was a unique, gentle, kind and beautiful soul that I was privileged to know during his short time at HSA,” wrote another. “He was generous with his time and shared his knowledge with others. May the wonderful, warm and vivid memories of him ease the pain of his sudden loss for Catriona, Liam, Anna, Emily and Ayla, his family and his large circle of friends. Rest in eternal peace.”

A Quaker service of thanksgiving for the life of Mr Phelan will be held at the Churchtown Friends Meeting House, 82 Lower Churchtown Road, D14 F620, on Thursday (September 19) at 2pm. Family flowers are permitted by request only, and a private funeral will follow.

Gardaí have stated that following the discovery of Mr Phelan's body, a post-mortem examination will be carried out which will determine the further course of the investigation.

They are also appealing to any road users who were travelling in the Castlerea area between midnight and 2am on Sunday 15 September to contact the Gardaí. In addition, anyone with camera footage (including dashboard cameras) is asked to please make this footage available to the Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on 094 9621 630, the Garda Confidential Hotline on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.