Heartache as family of man, 30s, who died in crash while cycling in Kilkenny issue emotional ‘fulfil last wish’ plea

THE family of a Polish man who died after a crash in Co Kilkenny have launched a fundraiser to “fulfil his last wish” to be buried in his hometown.

Damian Wròbel, aged in his 30s, lost his life three days after he was struck by a car while riding his bike on Wednesday June 24.

The collision took place at around 5:30pm on the L100 Tullaroan Road in Loughmacask.

He was rushed to St Luke’s General Hospital in Carlow and subsequently to Beaumont Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Tragically, he was pronounced deceased on June 27.

Damian had lived and worked in Kilkenny for several years.

Now, his family have launched a fundraiser to help with the “enormous costs” of bringing his body home.

It was Damian’s “last wish” to be buried in his hometown of Nowa Sol, in west Poland, his family said.

The fundraiser, organised on the Polish site Zrzutka, said: “Our beloved brother, brother-in-law, father, and uncle [was] injured in the accident.

“We are asking for financial support to bring Damian’s body back to Poland so he can receive a proper burial in his hometown.

“Every penny counts. We want to fulfill Damian’s last wish to have him transported to Nowa Sol.

“Unfortunately, the costs are enormous, and the family cannot afford to transport his body, so we are asking for your help.”

The fundraiser has so far raised just over €4,000 with a target of just over €9,000.

Gardai have issued a witness appeal following the tragic crash.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

“Road users who were travelling on the L100 Tullaroan Road, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny between 5:00pm and 6:00pm on Wednesday 24th June 2026 and who may have camera footage (including dash-cam), are asked to make this footage available to Gardai.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Kilkenny Garda Station on (056) 777 5000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”