A MAN who died in a sea festival over the weekend has been described as a “one of life’s good ones”.
Others said he was a “great, kind-hearted man” and a “gentle soul.”
Damien McGuinness, from Killybegs, was in his 50s when he tragically died in Castletownbere, west Cork, during the town’s annual Festival of the Sea last Saturday.
Family and friends have now paid emotional tributes to Damien ahead of his funeral tomorrow (Wednesday).
A cousin said: “It’s hard to put into words how saddened I am by the loss of my cousin Damien.
“We didn’t just grow up as family, we also had the chance to work together, and I’ll always be grateful for those times.
“We shared plenty of laughs, and made memories I’ll never forget.”
He added: “Damien was one of the good ones, and life won’t be the same without him. I’ll miss seeing his face, hearing his laugh.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all of Damien’s family and everyone who loved him. Rest easy, cousin.
“You’ll always have a special place in my heart and I’ll carry the memories of you with me always.”
Damien McGuinness died tragically last Saturday.
A work colleague said: “I worked with Damien in the North sea. He was a great man to have on board, always busy, always fixing things and always making us laugh.
“The work we do is unusual and he wasted no time adapting to it. He will be missed by the whole Orsted ROV team. I’m so sorry for you loss. He was such a great, kind-hearted man.”
Family friends said: “Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Susan, Seamus, Claire and the extended family on the very sad passing of Damien. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
A mourner in Castletownbere wrote online: “Sincere sympathy from Castletownbere to all Damien’s family, relatives, colleagues, friends and the town of Killybegs on his very tragic and untimely loss here in Castletownbere. May he rest in peace.”
Damien, who is predeceased by his father Peter, will be buried by his mother Susan, sister Claire, and brother Seamus.
He is reposing today (Tuesday) at Mc Brearty’s funeral home in Killybegs from 3pm to 7pm.
His funeral mass is at 11am in St Mary of the Visitation Church, Killybegs with burial in the local cemetery.