By Ralph Riegel
Copyright independent
Stephen McCarthy (45) of Riverstick, Co Cork, and formerly of Skibbereen was pronounced dead at Vernon Mount track on Cork’s southside at 12.45pm on Sunday following a freak accident.
Despite desperate attempts to help him by trackside medical personnel and by paramedics who were on the scene within minutes, he died before he could be rushed to Cork University Hospital (CUH).
The motorcyclist has been remembered by the Munster Motorcycle club who say that they are “utterly heartbroken” at the loss of their long time club member and lifelong friend.
“Stevie Mac was one of a kind and had a heart of gold like we have never seen before. May he rest in peace,” one club member posted.
Mr McCarthy was the owner of Mac Plant and Civils Ltd.
The company was established in 2017.
Castlehaven GAA in west Cork have also offered their condolences to the family of the deceased at this “difficult time”.
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – September 23rd
Mr McCarthy previously worked in the family business McCarthy Plant Hire in Skibbereen which was set up by his grandfather Charlie McCarthy in the 1960s.
Earlier this year, he told Building Ireland magazine that he had always been involved in business as it was “in the blood”.
Mac Plant and Civils Ltd is a very well known and respected firm.
It was the main contractor on the Elizabeth Fort Outdoor Public Spaces Scheme in Cork.
The project saw the historical 17th Century fort transformed into an outdoor arts and cultural venue.
Garda forensic collision investigators have examined the scene of the crash.
A postmortem examination was also carried out at Cork University Hospital.
Gardaí will now prepare a file for the Cork Coroner once the findings of the pathologist are submitted.
Mr McCarthy is survived by his wife Avril, their two children Lilly and Bonnie, his mother Caroline, his five siblings as well as his extended family and friends.
He will lie in repose at Sullivan’s Funeral Home in Turner’s Cross on Tuesday from 5pm to 6pm.
Mr McCarthy’s Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 2.20pm in St Joseph’s Church in Riverstick.
Burial will follow afterwards to Cullen Cemetery, Cullen, Riverstick, Co Cork.
