THE VICTIM of a hit-and-run collision in Limerick has been named as up-and-coming boxer Kevin Sheehy.
Tributes have flooded in for Sheehy, whose body was discovered at around 4.40am this morning, Monday July 1st.
Sheehy was reportedly hit by a black Mitsubishi Shogun jeep on Hyde Road in Co Limerick. The vehicle failed to remain at the scene.
According to reports, the 20-year-old had just left a house party, held to celebrate Limerick’s Munster Hurling Final victory over Tipperary, when the incident occurred.
The jeep has now been seized by gardai and is being examined forensically to determine what role, if any, it played in his death.
Garda sources indicate they are investigating whether Sheehy may have been specifically targeted in the incident though they are keen to stress this is one of “several lines of enquiry”.
Irish U22 heavyweight champ Kevin Sheehy was the victim in a hit-and-run incident last night in Limerick. A real talent who left his mark on #IrishBoxing. Was going to be a dad soon. May he RIP pic.twitter.com/D7brjVEv0s
— Kevin Byrne (@KevByrneBox) July 1, 2019
An investigation is already underway with Gardai appealing for anyone with information on the incident to get in touch.
Gardai are also appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
A spokesman said: "Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information on the incident, particularly anyone in the area around the time of the collision, who may have dash cam footage, to contact them at Roxboro Road Garda Station on 061 214 340.
"Investigations are ongoing."
Incredibly sad news to wake up to this morning that talented local man, Kevin Sheehy, passed away last night after a hit and run on the Hyde Road. My thoughts go out to his family and friends at this incredibly sad time for the city. pic.twitter.com/0bN3laGVpj
— Cllr Elisa O'Donovan (@elisaodonovan) July 1, 2019
Tributes have flooded in for the rising boxing star, who was set to become a father.
A dedicated member of the St Francis Boxing Club, his coach Ken Moore revealed to the Irish Times that Sheehy was set to become a father in five weeks’ time.
“He was the type of kid you could make a hundred tributes to. He was loved by everyone. He was very very talented,” Moore said.
“As an athlete, he was very special, he was five times Irish champion, he is a current under 22 champion, which he has held for the last two years, even though he is only 20 years of age.”
“He was tipped by Bernard Dunne High Performance as an athlete they were looking at for the 2024 Olympics. He had everything going for him. The guy was never in trouble a day in his life, even though he was from a rough area.”
Irish heavyweight champ Kevin sheehy tragically died in a hit and run car crash in limerick last night, a kind man a great boxer RIP Kevin ☹️Limerick will miss you and was another great talent from the city on the rise #boxingnews pic.twitter.com/mvbjOrm3Ag
— BoxingTribeUK (@BoxingTribeUK) July 1, 2019
“Boxing was his life and his life was changing because in five weeks time he was due to have a baby girl. He’s only 20, but he’s with Emma, his fiancé, since they were fifteen.”
“They were having a baby and it was all set up good for them,” he added.
“He was just a great kid, he really was. I loved him. It’s a sad day,”
Local councillor Elisa O'Donovan was among those to pay her respects.
Rest In Peace Champ, an absolute gentleman! Had many good spars with Kevin Sheehy, he had a massive future ahead of him. Thoughts and prayers with all of your family & friends. pic.twitter.com/j9Ln84ZSkI
— Thomas Carty🇮🇪 (@thomas_carty) July 1, 2019
"Incredibly sad news to wake up to this morning that talented local man, Kevin Sheehy, passed away last night after a hit and run on the Hyde Road,” she said.
"My thoughts go out to his family and friends at this incredibly sad time for the city."
Boxing Tribe UK also tweeted: "Irish heavyweight champ Kevin Sheehy tragically died in a hit and run car crash in Limerick last night, a kind man a great boxer RIP Kevin.
"Limerick will miss you another great talent from the city on the rise."
Woke up to heart breaking news. Kevin was such a gentleman and a young man with so much going for him in and out of the ring. Rest In Peace Kevin Sheehy. Truly devastating. pic.twitter.com/862bWOb9aF
— Luke Liddy (@LOLIDDY2489) July 1, 2019
