THERE WAS great shock in the local community over the weekend after it emerged that Damien Murphy of 14 Daphne View had passed away aged just 44.

Mr Murphy was found at the bottom of the stairs of his home on Friday night and despite attempts from paramedics and gardaí to revive him, he was sadly declared dead. He is survived by his partner of 25 years Imelda O’Brien and their two children Brandon and Katie

There was a large outpouring of grief at St Aidan’s Cathedral yesterday as members of the local community gathered with family and friends to bid a final farewell to the father of two.

Originally from Caim, Damien was one of seven children born to Pat and the late Kathleen Murphy. His sister Caroline recalled a real family man with a wonderful sense of humour.

“He was always at the side of the family when you needed him,” she said. “He worked hard and played hard and himself and his good friend Jessie were inseparable.”

Damien made the move from Caim to Enniscorthy when he met the love of his life in Imelda and they settled at Daphne View. The pair also endured tough times, tragically losing their baby Lee, who Caroline said she hoped her brother would be reunited with in heaven.

A tablet and some family photos were laid at the altar during Damien’s funeral service. It was recalled how he loved to browse Facebook and Netflix on his tablet and the family photo represented what was the most important thing in his life.

Sister Caroline thanked the paramedics and gardaí who had tried to revive her brother, as well as friends, family and neighbours who had been of such great support to the family during this extremely difficult time.

May he rest in peace.

The late Damien Murphy.