Northern Ireland

Co Down plasterer (31) died in 'tragic accident' in England

Ryan Rooney, from Kilkeel, Co Down, died in England on September 13
Ryan Rooney, from Kilkeel, Co Down, died in England on September 13 Ryan Rooney, from Kilkeel, Co Down, died in England on September 13

A 31-year-old plasterer who died in a road accident in England was a "kind-hearted fella who would have helped anyone", his father said last night.

The funeral will take place tomorrow of Ryan Rooney, from Kilkeel, Co Down, who died on September 13 after he was knocked down by a car in Swindon.

His father Liam said he was a keen golfer who played against Rory McIlroy when he was younger and was also a member of the Down Gaelic football under-12s squad.

"He loved sport," he said. "He once got his golf handicap down to one. He did 100 parachute jumps and took a few helicopter lessons as well."

Mr Rooney said his son did some work in England and had also spent time in Australia and Florida.

Describing him as a "generous lad", he said Ryan gave a portion of his earnings to charities every month, including suicide awareness group Pips.

"He lived in Aberystwyth and the man he lodged with would have been ill some of the time," he said.

"If he fell he would have banged on the floor with his stick and Ryan would have gone up and helped him.

"He was a great fella. He was a big lad, 6ft 1" and 14 stone, and very strong. Never in my life did he give me any worry."

Mr Rooney said his son's death was "just a tragic accident".

He paid tribute to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust who helped bring his body home.

He also thanked Sinn Féin Kilkeel councillor Sean Doran for his help.

Ryan is survived by his father and siblings Paul, Laura and Caroline. His mother Bronagh died in 2010, while his sister Fiona died in 2007.

Funeral Mass is to be celebrated at St Colman's Church, Massforth at 11.30am tomorrow followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.