Northern Ireland

Tributes paid to Belfast community worker following sudden death

Tributes have been paid to Breandán Ó Cléirigh. Picture from Facebook
Tributes have been paid to Breandán Ó Cléirigh. Picture from Facebook Tributes have been paid to Breandán Ó Cléirigh. Picture from Facebook

A BELFAST community worker was last night described as an "absolute gentleman" following his sudden death.

Tributes have been paid to Breandán Ó Cléirigh (49) from the Ardoyne area, who was remembered as a "lovely fella who adored his family".

It is understood Mr Ó Cléirigh, a father-of-four, was found in his home on Friday.

Police are not treating the death as suspicious. He is understood to have fallen ill at home.

Mr Ó Cléirigh was heavily involved in community and voluntary work in his local area, with tributes describing him as "a great asset to the wider community".

Friends and colleagues of Mr Ó Cléirigh have written of their shock and devastation on social media following his death, including the Ardoyne Youth Enterprise.

In a post on Facebook, it said it was "with great sadness" that the board and staff had learnt of his passing.

"Breandán served on the boards of our organisation, Ardoyne Youth Providers' Forum then Ardoyne Youth Enterprise, for over 20 years," it said.

"He was a dedicated board member and also a good friend."

The Marrowbone Community Association also described Mr Ó Cléirigh as an "esteemed colleague and friend".

"Breandán served on the board of directors of the association for many years and went on to take the role of volunteer coordinator bringing his professionalism and sense of humour to everything he did," he said.

"He was instrumental in developing the plans for the purchase and redevelopment of the old parochial hall and was especially responsible for the design of the community garden and his pride and joy the big pizza oven. Breandán made many friends in the Bone and will be truly missed by all."

Belfast Interfaces also wrote: "It is with deep sorrow we heard today of the sudden passing of our friend and colleague Breandán Ó Cléirigh.

"To his daughters, father and brothers we extend our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences."

Other friends said he was "a great guy, always supportive, smart, committed, humorous and kind", while another said he was "a big man with a big heart".

He was also described as "a fierce arts activist and personally a lovely friend".

His funeral will be held at the family home on the Oldpark Road on Wednesday at 3.30pm followed by cremation at Roselawn.