A MOTORCYCLIST HAS died following a single-vehicle crash in Abbeyleix, Co Laois. 

The crash happened on the N77 at the junction of the Portlaoise Road and Ballyroan Road at around 7.50pm last night. 

The motorcyclist, a man in his 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no other injuries reported.

His body has been taken to the mortuary at Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise.

The scene remains preserved pending a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators this morning.

The road from Main Street in Abbeyleix to Tonduff Cross on the Portlaoise Road is closed and local diversions are in place.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact them.

They are particularly appealing to any road users or pedestrians who were in the area between 7pm and 8pm and have camera footage, including dash-cam footage, to make this available to them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Abbeyleix Garda Station at 057 873 0580, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Teenager dies in NI

Separately, a 16-year-old girl has died after being hit by a car in Bangor, Co Down.

Police in Northern Ireland received a report at around 10.55pm last night about a collision on the West Circular Road.

The teenager, a pedestrian, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her name was Jaidyn Rice and was from the area.

PSNI officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision, and would like to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have captured dash-cam or other footage that could assist with enquiries.

They can be reached on 101, and callers can quote reference 1774 08/07/25. Information can also be submitted online at http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

The West Circular Road which was closed for a time, has since re-opened fully.