RIP: Much sadness in Offaly at death of young man in Australia
The death of a young man in Australia with strong ties to Ballykilmurrary and Rahan has been greeted with much sadness.
Leon Gaffey passed away after a short illness in Hobart, Tasmania, an island off the south coast of Australia.
His death notice on RIP.ie reads: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden death of our beloved Leon in Hobart, Tasmania following a very short illness.
“Predeceased by his grandfather Michael Gaffey (The Derries, Rahan), grandmother Robyn Townsend (Sydney, Australia) and his aunt Leanne Townsend (Sydney, Australia).
“Leon will be forever loved and deeply missed by his heartbroken family, mother Michelle Townsend, father Micheal Gaffey (formerly of Ballykilmurray), brothers Connor & Eamon and sister-in-law Ashlee.
“He will also be sadly missed and remembered with great love by his grandmother Mary Ellen Gaffey, grandfather Allan Townsend, uncles Joe, Liam, Oliver, Adrian Gaffey and Scott Townsend, aunts Kim Townsend, Kathleen and Esther Gaffey, Michelle’s partner Shane, cousins, aunts, uncles, granduncles, grandaunts, fellow students and team mates in Hobart and Central Coast along with his wide circle of friends in Australia and around the world.
“A beautiful person who touched the hearts of so many, taken far too soon. May Leon Rest In Eternal Peace”.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Berkeley Vale Soccer Club posted: “A former BVSC 35 Drunks teammate Michael (Gaffey) has tragically lost his son, Leon, who passed away unexpectedly last weekend.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Gaffey and his family during this incredibly difficult time. No parent should ever have to go through this. Rest in peace, Leon,” the post read.
Condolences have been shared for the much-loved young man. One wrote: “Leon was sweet and kind, he always made others feel so welcome, his personality was golden. He was caring and supportive, the type of person you always looked forward to seeing. I am grateful to have called him a friend. Sharing warm smiles and laughter is what I will remember most. The loss of him is truly devastating and my condolences his family, friends and to everyone close to him who has shared laughter with his lovely soul. He will be missed and remembered by so many”.
Another wrote that he “always made everyone around him smile and laugh”.
“Genuinely one of the nicest, most kind people I’ve ever met. You will be deeply missed my friend,” another person wrote in condolences.