Kevin Ruane from Ballybrit, Co Galway, was living in Perth, Australia when he unexpectedly passed away with friends of the "lovely and pleasant lad" starting a crowdfunding attempt to bring him home to his family in the West of Ireland.
Kevin, predeceased by his brother Adrian, is survived by his parents, John and Kathleen, his sister Aisling, his grandmother Maura Ruane and his grandfather John O’Donnell.
His RIP.ie death notice reads: "Predeceased by his brother Adrian, his grandad Gerald Ruane (Balla) and grandmother Catherine O’Donnell (Achill). Beloved son of John and Kathleen, sister Aisling, grandmother Maura Ruane, grandfather John O’Donnell and extended family."
Family, friends and colleagues have paid tribute to the young man, branding him "polite," "kind," and "so likeable," with one writing: "Devastated to learn of this. I got to know Kevin through a mutual friend and he instantly was just so nice and likeable. He would have a room in knots, laughing without any effort. He was also a proper gentleman who could never do enough for you. He’s gone from the world far before his time, and it’s beyond heartbreaking that it’s happened."
Another added, "Kevin was an absolute gentleman and one of the kindest people you could ever meet."
"Kevin was a truly awesome person; always had a smile on his face. So many fond memories," commented a third.
Friends of the Galway man in Australia also paid tribute, with one pal heartbreakingly writing: "Another kind and bubbly soul gone from us too soon. Sleep tight, Kevin."
Now, the young man’s friends have set up a GoFundMe appeal to help with repatriation costs.
Writing under the appeal, friend Barbara Hickey wrote: "It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kevin Ruane in Perth, Australia, a much-loved family member, and loyal friend and colleague.
"We are raising funds to assist with the costs associated with having Kevin brought back home to his devastated family. Our aim is to relieve some of the financial burden on Kevin’s family and to assist with the cost of having his personal belongings brought home.
"Any donations which you might be able to give will be greatly appreciated."
So far, the crowdfunding appeal has raised a mind-blowing €44,700 in less than 24 hours, after the original target of €10,000 was met shortly after the appeal went live.
Friends of the Ballybrit native have said that any funds not used for the repatriation cost will be donated to the Claddagh Association, which provides aid and support to the Irish community living in the Western Australian Region (WA), as well as the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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