Ryan Straney: £60,000 raised for Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust in memory of west Belfast GAA clubman

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust was the one number Ryan Straney’s family never thought they would have to ring, said organisers of a fundraiser that has raised more than £60,000 for the charity.

Launched in memory of the Springfield Road man who died following an early Monday morning collision in Australia, the amount raised in less than 24 hours far surpassed the initial £20,000 target.

Mr Straney (27) died after the vehicle he was travelling in was struck on a major road in Sydney. An elderly man allegedly drove his car in the wrong direction for approximately ten minutes before a collision involving multiple vehicles.

The Lámh Dhearg clubman, a talented dual football and hurling player whose career was cut short by injury, had moved to Australia late last year and was working as a civil engineer.

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Family launched the GoFundMe drive for the Newry-headquartered trust which is “helping the family to navigate the difficult journey of bringing our beloved Ryan back to Ireland and we’d like you to help support the amazing work they do at this exceptionally difficult time”.

“Any donation big or small is massively appreciated by our family and by this incredible charity,” the GoFundMe said.

“It’s the number none of us ever thought we’d have to ring, but we are so grateful for their help at this traumatic time.”

A candlelit vigil will be held in memory of Mr Straney, to take place at 8pm on Saturday in Heritage Square at the Lámh Dhearg club. Funeral arrangements will follow the return of his body.

Mr Straney, a Queen’s University graduate, was key player for the club, both as a hurler and footballer, through under-age and at a senior level. He also lined out for Co Antrim minors.

He was an accomplished golfer, a member of the Balmoral Club along with several family members, including his grandfather, Geordie Fegan of Hannahstown.

North Belfast MP John Finucane, a former club football captain, was among those who paid tribute to a one time team mate.

Mr Finucane said: “The news that Ryan Straney died yesterday in Australia is truly heartbreaking”.