THE funeral of a Co Tyrone man who died suddenly in Australia will take place on Saturday as friends and loved ones remember his "zest for life and unwavering loyalty".
Sean McConville, who was from the Collegeland area near Moy, died on July 9 in Sydney.
The 23-year-old had lived in Australia for over four years.
Following his death, friends and family members gathered for a candlelit vigil last week in Sydney, where his sister Bronagh described him as a "gentleman wise beyond his years".
"Sean lived, worked and partied with many people during his time here in Austalia," she said.
"We are delighted so many people experienced Sean's character and got to know him so dearly."
"He had so many best friends as well as meeting the love of his life, Nicole."
She added: "This is a heartbreaking loss of a beautiful soul - he had so much more life to live and explore."
His friend, Dave French, spoke of how Sean's "infectious laughter, his zest for life and unwavering loyalty touched the lives of all of us".
"His love for his friends knew no bounds. Sean was the epitome of camaraderie - he was always there to lend an ear."
He added: "A true embodiment of the Irish spirit, Sean had an insatiable appetite for fun and mischief. He had an uncanny ability to find humor in the simplest moments. He had an arsenal of jokes and stories that would light up any gathering."
Sean's remains returned to Ireland on Wednesday, with assistance from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust charity.
A death notice described him as the "beloved son of Peter and Doreen, dear brother of Bronagh and Martin and loving partner Nicole".
Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St Peter's Church, Collegeland, at 2pm on Saturday July 22 before a burial service at the adjoining cemetery.
