POLICE IN Thailand are investigating the death of an Irish man whose body was found in a hotel at the beach resort of Pattaya yesterday morning.
David Hourigan (38), originally from Moyross in Limerick, had been living in the area 150 kilometres south of Bangkok for several months.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to the family of Mr Hourigan, who was a well-known cyclist.
He dominated the Irish junior scene in the early 1980s and a decade later represented Ireland in a number of international events.
His biggest success came in 1992 when he captured the Isle of Man’s Manx International. He was the first Irish winner of the cycling event in 25 years.
Pat Spaight of Limerick Cycling club said he was a talented cyclist from the beginning.
“He was on the Irish team in the Nissan Classic somewhere around the late 80s and at 18 years of age he was actually the youngest rider,” he said.
“He had great potential but it is like everything in life, things did not work out for him, but he was a talented rider and everybody in the country knew him,” he added.
“On behalf of the Limerick Cycling Club I would like to extend my sympathies to his family.
“We are very, very saddened over his untimely death,” he said.
After leading the way at the end of the first stage of the 1994 FBD Milk Rás from Dublin to Drogheda, he tested positive for a banned substance.
He claimed the drug was contained in a vitamin supplement. However, he was suspended for three months.
According to media reports in Thailand, Mr Hourigan may have been dead for a number of days before his body was discovered by hotel staff.
Limerick City Councillor Maurice Quinlivan, who knows Mr Hourigan’s family, said the local community was in shock. “My deepest sympathies go out to his family. They are a fine and decent family and there is a sense of shock in the community at what has happened,” he said.
It is expected the remains of Mr Hourigan will be repatriated later this week.