Former Kilkenny hurler killed in crash tragedy
Gifted James loses life years after brothers died on farm
A FORMER GAA player selected for the Kilkenny senior hurling team was killed in a road crash yesterday morning.
James “Shiner” Nolan died when the car he was driving hit a wall at Carn in Dunbell, Co Kilkenny, at 2.30am.
The 34-year-old, who played at corner forward for the senior team and for his local Clara GAA club, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services.
His body was taken to St Luke’s General Hospital in Kilkenny. A postmortem will be carried out at University Hospital Waterford.
The road was closed for several hours to allow for an examination of the scene by Forensic Collision Investigators but later reopened.
Mr Nolan worked on the family farm with his father Gerry.
The family suffered another major tragedy several decades ago when two of his older brothers died in a slurry tank accident. He was also a cousin of 13-year-old Harry Byrne, who died following a freak accident at St Kieran’s College in Kilkenny city in November 2021.
The young boy was rushed to St Luke’s General Hospital after being accidentally hit by a sliotar in the head while playing with friends at lunchtime.
A close neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “We’re all just devastated at news of his passing. The parish, which is tight knit, is just in shock.
“James was so gifted at sport, every sport he played. He played soccer for Bennettsbridge as well.
“James was a really hard worker and so many people loved being in his company as he was a really good laugh. Words can’t explain how upset everyone is.”
The area has suffered a number of tragedies. In recent years the father and uncle of former All-ireland Kilkenny senior captain Lester Ryan died in separate accidents.
His father Johnny Ryan died when he was pinned against a wall by his tractor at his farm at Dunbell near the village of Clara in 2015 while his uncle Lester, a former Kilkenny hurler, was killed in a cycling accident involving a tractor near his home in 2020.
Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this latest incident to come forward. Any road users who were travelling in the area at the time who may have camera footage – including dash cam – are asked to make it available to officers.
And anyone with any information is urged to contact Thomastown Garda station on 056 775 4150, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.