LIMERICK, Monday – A tragic incident unfolded near Clonlara, Co. Clare, approximately six miles from Limerick, yesterday evening, under peculiar circumstances. Stephen Dinneen, a young man hailing from Cork and employed as a postman at the Limerick Post Office, met with an untimely demise while on a cycling excursion to O’Brien’s Bridge. Accompanied by a companion identified only as Ryan, Dinneen was returning homeward along the canal bank when the unfortunate event transpired.

As they traversed one of the bridges to the north of Clonlara, Dinneen’s bicycle collided with the parapet, propelling him into the canal where he remained submerged. Despite efforts, he did not resurface. The immediate aftermath of the incident saw his lifeless body retrieved from the water, subsequently conveyed to a nearby residence pending an official inquest.

The details surrounding the circumstances leading to the fatal accident are under investigation, with authorities committed to establishing a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired. The precise cause of Dinneen’s bicycle striking the parapet remains a focal point of the ongoing inquiry.

The tragic loss of Stephen Dinneen has cast a pall over the local community and elicited expressions of sorrow and sympathy from both colleagues and residents alike. As a dedicated member of the postal service, his sudden departure has left a void that will be keenly felt by those who knew him.

The postman’s demise serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks associated with everyday activities, underscoring the importance of vigilance and caution, particularly when navigating potentially hazardous environments such as bridges and waterways.

The forthcoming inquest is anticipated to shed further light on the sequence of events leading to this unfortunate incident. Until such time, the community remains united in mourning the loss of a cherished member and extends heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and friends.

The authorities have urged anyone with pertinent information regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident to come forward, as they continue their efforts to ascertain the full extent of the events leading to Stephen Dinneen’s tragic demise.

Dublin Daily Express – Tuesday 05 September 1916