TRIBUTES were paid to a rising Irish soccer star who was fighting for his life in hospital in Cork after sustaining serious injuries after coming off an electric motorbike in a serious road traffic incident in his native Limerick this Monday (December 16).
The injured man was named locally as Josh Quinlivan, of Limerick City, who celebrated his 21st birthday on December 10 last.
Mr Quinlivan, who previously captained League of Ireland U19 side Treaty United FC, and who made appearances for Cork City U19s and Fairview Rangers FC, had more recently been starring in a striker’s role for Pike Rovers FC after he signed with the Limerick club earlier this season.
Gardaí appealed for witnesses to the “serious road traffic incident that occurred on the Kilmallock Road (Old Cork Road) in Limerick City on Monday evening, 16th December”.
A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said “a man in his 20s, who was travelling on an electric motorbike was discovered with serious injuries on the road, at approximately 7.10pm” on Monday evening.
The spokesperson said “the injured man was removed to University Hospital Limerick. He has since been transferred to Cork University Hospital where his condition is described as critical.”
A Pike Rovers FC spokesman paid tribute to Mr Quinlivan, saying that “all at the club wish Josh a full and speedy recovery”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Josh and his family at this very difficult time, he’s a great centre forward – a striker.
“For a big lad, he is a very quiet unassuming young fella, a very nice, genuine lad. He comes from a good family and he works as a courier with his dad and his brother.
“When these things happen, it just brings everything into perspective, and you think you have problems until something like that lands on your doorstep.
“It is a big big shock, he is a very valuable and well-liked member of the Pike Rovers family.”
In January 2022, Mr Quinlivan was identified in the top twenty “rising talent” under 20 players in the League of Ireland.
Gardaí called for anyone who may have footage or information relating to the crash to contact Roxboro Garda Station on 061 214 340, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
