Tributes are being paid to talented young cyclist Shane O’Brien, who died following a road traffic collision in Co. Waterford on Tuesday.

The teenager was fatally injured after a collision involving a parked lorry and the bicycle he was riding at Ballygalane, near Lismore, shortly after 11am.

Shane, from Bettyville, Clondulane, outside Fermoy in north Cork, was a transition year student at St Colman’s College and was widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most promising young cyclists.

He was the much-loved youngest son of Eddie and Mary O’Brien, brother of Liam and Aidan, and grandson of Eddie and Anna O’Brien and the late Jim and Peg Moloney.

Shane came from a highly respected cycling family, with both his father and brother accomplished riders. He was formerly a member of Fermoy Cycling Club and joined the CAMS Majaco development team this year for his first season at junior level.

Earlier this year, he made his Irish national team debut at the prestigious Course de la Paix in the Czech Republic, a race regarded as an important stepping stone for emerging international talent.

In a statement, Cycling Ireland said it was “shocked and deeply saddened” by Shane’s passing.

The organisation described him as a rider who was well known and loved throughout the cycling community and said he had shown great promise as an emerging talent.

Cycling Ireland added that Shane would be missed dearly by all involved in the sport and extended its sympathies to his family, friends and teammates.

His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow cyclists, clubs and supporters across the country.

Gardaí are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Gardaí. Road users who were travelling on the N72 between Lismore and Cappoquin between 10.30am and 11.15am on Tuesday morning, and who may have camera or dash-cam footage, are also being asked to make it available to investigating Gardaí.