Tributes paid to young man from the Midlands killed in freak accident in New Zealand

Tributes have been paid to a young man from the Midlands who was killed in a freak accident in New Zealand.

A mechanic by trade, Laois man Sean Clear was due to celebrate his 25th birthday today.  

The Chairman of Clough Ballacolla GAA has paid tribute to Sean.

Sean, whose father Tom was a former Chairman of Clough Ballacolla, died while working on machinery in New  Zealand last Friday. 

Clough Ballacolla GAA Chairman Gordon Pearson said the club and community are heartbroken at the death of the popular young man. 

“We as a community, as a club; we are deeply saddened over it. The nicest young lad young lad you could ever meet,” said Mr Pearson. 

“He was such a nice chap. He had a word for everybody,” said Mr Pearson. 

“We are deeply saddened over it and we will do all we can to support them in this terrible time,” said Mr Pearson.

“They are a lovely family. It is terrible. It was a freak accident,” he explained.

He said Sean, who loved machinery, farming and cars, had worked in Australia for a few years before returning home and travelling to New Zealand last Autumn. 

Although Sean hadn’t played with the club in recent times, Mr Pearson said he would have played at juvenile level and could always be relied upon if you needed someone to help out in a game.

“He was the kind of guy that if you were stuck you would only have to call him,” he said. 

“He was a credit to his parents,” added Mr Pearson. 

It’s understood Sean was working to retrieve a bogged piece of machinery when overhead lines were struck. It’s not known exactly how long it will take to repatriate his remains. 

Sean is survived by his father Tom, mother Julia and sister Ella.

Ballypickas GAA also paid tribute on social media. 

“The club would like to express their deepest sympathy and condolences to Tom, Julia and Ella Clear, Ballacolla on the very sad loss of their son & brother Sean. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, extended family and friends of Sean, May he Rest in Peace. 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam," they said.