Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Ulster man killed in Oz bike horror
Son of prominent republican is killed
THE son of a prominent republican was killed in a road crash in Australia yesterday.
It is understood 22-year-old Tiarnan Rafferty’s motorcycle was in collision with a car in Marrickville, Sydney.
Originally from Galbally, Co Tyrone, his mother Sharon Jordan is the national treasurer of republican party Saoradh.
Mr Rafferty was treated at the scene by paramedics from New South Wales Ambulance before being taken to hospital in a critical condition.
Police in Sydney said: “Just before 2pm, emergency services were called to the intersection of Sydenham Road and Malakoff Street, Marrickville, following reports of a crash between a car and a motorcycle.
“The rider, a man in his 20s was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a critical condition.
BLOOD
“The driver of the car was not injured and she was taken to hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.”
A spokesman for Saoradh said: “We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to our national treasurer Sharon Jordan on the sudden passing of her son Tiarnan Rafferty, following an accident in Australia.
“The thoughts and prayers of all Saoradh activists are with the Jordan and Rafferty families at this time.”
Pals took to social media to pay tribute to Tiarnan who was described as the “life and soul of the party”. One said: “Absolutely heartbroken, never thought I’d ever get a message like this or have to write this... so many memories to cherish, you’ll never be forgotten!”
Another added: “Shocking sad news the world has lost a great lad. My thoughts and prayers are with all family and friends.”
We wish to extend our condolences to Sharon on the sudden death of her son SAORADH SPOKESMAN YESTERDAY