Shock that ‘life and soul of party’ is dead

by Louise McCarthy

THE TRAGIC death of a young Duffry Rovers supporter has sent shockwaves around the county leading his brother to publicly express his devastation at the sudden loss.

Wexford Park with about 7,000 spectators for the U21 Wexford v Kilkenny held a minute’s silence, on Wednesday last in memory of Stephen Earle (29). Plans had been in place for Stephen and his brother Freddy to attend that match but he was found dead on Monday evening last in close proximity to the house he shared with his parents at Monart.

The experienced and hard -working labourer, employed by Niall Barry & Co, was described as ‘the life and soul of the party.’

Speaking to The Echo, his brother Freddy said : “We are a very close family, we all went out as a gang. This was totally out of character for Stephen. He was fun-loving, the life and soul of the party, he had an answer and a word for everything, he would not harm a fly.”

Mr Earle was the youngest of ten children and hails from a popular GAA family who are ardent Duffry Rovers fans. He played with Duffry Rovers GAA Club up to Under 21 level.

His sisters Aoife and Aine are also actively involved in the Shamrock Rovers GAA Club.

The discovery of his body at approximately 7p.m on Monday last came as an ‘unbelievable’ shock.

Mr Earle said: “He was a normal young man, he was single, enjoying life, he was happy. It is unbelievable. He was due to go to a friend’s wedding in two weeks and had made plans for that. On the Saturday before he died, he was doing jobs, nothing had changed. If you wanted something done, you would ask Stephen, we have great memories of him. He loved music.”

He has expressed gratitude at the huge outpouring of support from local people since the shocking death of his brother.

A huge crowd attended the funeral mass on Thursday last at St John the Baptist Church, Caim.

At the funeral Duffry Rovers team members formed a guard of honour while a selection of songs were played including Boolavogue, The Voyage and his favourite tune, Cuchulainn.

Mr Earle said:“Everyone has been so kind to us and has shown us an unbelievable level of support.”

He is survived by parents Frances and Edward (Ned), sisters and brothers Áine, Deidre, Declan, Joan, Freddy, Garry, Aoife, Patricia and Geraldine along with nephews and nieces.

The late Stephen Earle