THE family of a Wirral man killed in a hit-and-run tragedy in Ireland have hailed him as an "amazing family man."

Alan McSherry, originally from Birkenhead, was discovered on the Newtown Road about one mile from Bundoran, Co Donegal at around 5.10am on Sunday.

The 48-year-old had been walking home from a night out when he was struck by a vehicle whose driver failed to stop at the scene.

His sister-in-law, Lynne McSherry, said Alan would be missed for his “quirkiness” and sense of humour.

Lynne, who is married to Alan’s brother Andrew, said: “He and his wife, Joanne, moved to Ireland about 15 years ago after they fell in love with the place while on holiday.

“He was an amazing character and just so full of life all the time. He was one of the friendliest, funniest people you could meet and would do anything for his family.”

Known as “Handy Al” for his job as a handyman, Alan was a keen surfer and will be remembered by his surfing friends this week with a special ‘paddle-out’ as they float candles out at sea.

And Lynne said the family had been “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of support shown by the local Irish community.

She added: “We are all devastated and completely numb, especially Joanne, but she has been so comforted by how the community has rallied round to help her through this difficult time.

“He was an extremely popular man and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.”

Gardaí, the Irish police force, have now launched an investigation into the tragedy and are looking for the driver of the vehicle that hit Alan.

Gardaí are asking anyone who travelled on the Newtown Road near Bundoran on Saturday night or in the early hours of the following morning to contact them at Ballyshannon Garda Station on 071 9858530.