A Co Tyrone man has been killed in a motorbike accident in Australia.
Tiarnan Rafferty (22), from Galbally, died after his motorcycle collided with a car in a Sydney suburb at the weekend.
His devastated mother is prominent Tyrone republican Sharon Jordan. His grieving father Damien Rafferty is also well known in the east Tyrone area.
It is believed the accident took place at an intersection in the suburb of Marrickville at around 2pm yesterday.
The 22-year-old was treated at the scene before being taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
A spokeswoman for New South Wales Police said the driver of the car was not injured and that "she was taken to hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing."
Mr Rafferty, a former pupil at St Ciaran's College in Ballygawley, worked in the construction industry after moving to Australia in recent years.
It is understood he returned home at Christmas for a five-week holiday before returning to Australia.
Donaghmore parish priest Fr Gerard McAleer said the local community has been left stunned by Mr Rafferty's death.
“I heard he was a lovely young fellow and this has come as a great shock to everyone in the community,” he said.
Mrs Jordan was sentenced to four years in jail and and four on license in 2014 after pleading guilty to charges linked to a republican training camp discovered in Co Tyrone in 2012.
She is currently national treasurer of anti-agreement party Saoradh. Her husband Davy Jordan is the Saoradh National Chairperson.
Spokesman Packy Carty last night offered “heartfelt condolences” to Mr Rafferty's family.
“The thoughts and prayers of all Saoradh activists are with the Jordan and Rafferty families at this time,” he said.
Mid Ulster independent councillor Barry Monteith knows both of the dead man's parents.
“I am shocked and my thoughts are with the family and everybody is thinking about them,” he said.
“This is tragic news to be getting up to on a Sunday morning.”
Colin Bell from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust said the charity is helping to return Mr Rafferty's remains to his family but cautioned it may take several days.
“From Australia it could be anything up to ten days,” he said.
“We will try to bring him home as soon as possible.”
