TRAGIC: Mariusz Kryszak, who died when struck by a car while cycling on the Gap of Dunloe Road near Beaufort, on Sunday morning.

“We’re doing everything we can to get him home to Poland”

By Michelle Crean

Killarney hotel staff, who are still shocked at the tragic death of their friend and work colleague killed whilst cycling to work on Sunday, have vowed to raise funds to get him home to his native Poland.

A GoFundMe page was set up for 45-year-old Mariusz Kryszak, who died at approximately 8am when struck by a car while cycling on the Gap of Dunloe Road near Beaufort.

The Polish native, who had been on his way to work at the Dunloe Hotel & Gardens, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Garda forensic collision investigators and scenes of crime officers examined the crash site and the road was closed for a number of hours with local diversions in place. The driver of the car was uninjured and Killarney Gardaí are continuing to appeal for witnesses.

General Manager of the Dunloe Hotel & Gardens, Jason Clifford, said that staff at the hotel are still shocked as they try to come to terms with the devastating news.

On Wednesday, a GoFundMe page: Mariusz Kryszak Memorial Fundwas set up, and in less that 24 hours raised almost €8,000, with over 150 donations and 164 Facebook shares.

The funds will be used to help his daughter Sandra and the Kryszak family repatriate their loved one back to Poland.

“We’re doing everything we can to get him home to Poland,” Jason Clifford told the Killarney Advertiser yesterday (Thursday).

Mariusz worked in the Dunloe Hotel & Gardens for the past 15 years, starting out as a kitchen porter before changing department to front of house. He was also a well-loved member of staff in the Europe Hotel where he worked in the spa and concierge when the Dunloe was closed during the off season.

“Everybody is devastated here at the hotel and in the Europe Hotel,” Jason said. “He was a big part of our work family here at the Dunloe. He was more of a friend than a work colleague.”

Jason added that Mariusz liked being front of house as he had a special way with people especially on a personal level.

“He was wonderful with customers. He always made time for everybody and gave people his full attention. Everybody was fond of Mariusz because of his personality. He’ll be truly missed by his work colleagues and friends. Our thoughts are with his family.”

To donate go to www.gofundme.com/f/mariusz-kryszak-memorial-fund.