In tribute, Blackrock College Rugby Football Club said Mr Kirby was involved in an accident in Austin, Texas last Friday “where he was on his J1” along with a friend and fellow rugby player.

The Taoiseach was speaking ahead of his much-anticipated meeting with the US president in the White House on Wednesday.

Donald Trump will host the Taoiseach in the Oval Office of the White House on Wednesday.

James Reyos was initially released in 2004, after more than 20 years in prison