The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that a young Irishman has been killed after being hit by a car in Cairns, Australia.
Australian authorities have named him as 23-year-old Donal Bolton from Co Offaly.
Monsignor Tom Conan told RTÉ Radio’s News at One that Mr Bolton and his girlfriend were sitting on a bench in a pedestrian area in Cairns when a car hit them.
Mr Bolton's girlfriend sustained just minor injuries.
The Embassy in Australia is providing consular assistance to his family.
Mr Bolton's family has said they are shocked and devastated at hearing of the news of his death.
In a statement, they said 'our thoughts at this time are with Donal's partner, Justine, and all the other people involved in the accident.'
In his home town of Geashill in Co Offaly, tributes have been paid to the young hurler who was due back from a year-long trip around Australia at the end of the month.
