‘A talented guitarist and a diamond of a guy’ ...warm tributes to man who died nine days after being attacked outside Portaferry bar
TRIBUTES have been paid to a “talented guitarist” who died more than a week after being punched and kicked outside a quiet Co Down pub.
Killyleagh native Ryan Macrae (32) sustained serious injuries during the assault outside the Fiddler’s Green in Portaferry at around 1am on Sunday, October 14.
The on-and-off labourer who also gigged in bars spent nine days fighting for his life in the Royal Victoria Hospital before succumbing to his injuries on Tuesday evening.
PSNI Detective Inspector Deborah Eakin said two men previously charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent have now been re-arrested on suspicion of murder.
Robert Kiernan (28) of Rockfield and Jordan Donnelly (19) of Arlington Park in Portaferry appeared before Downpatrick Magistrates Court the day after the early morning attack.
At that time, a police officer told the judge that the victim had hit his head against a brick wall after being punched in the altercation which was captured on CCTV. She had also said the victim was kicked after he had fallen to the ground.
Despite the PSNI objecting, both suspects were released on strict bail to appear before Newtownards Magistrates on November 9.
Yesterday, Ryan’s heartbroken mum Jayne Macrae thanked friends who have left dozens of moving tributes on social media.
“Thank you for sending me this, it means so much,” she replied to one friend who recalled a recent interaction with her son.
“I was chatting to him not so long ago, after sailing in Portaferry,” they had written.
“It’s hard to get my head round that the hug we parted with would be our last. “Heartbreaking.” Another friend sought to comfort Ms Macrae by assuring her that everyone in the community is on hand to support her “lovely family” through “this awful time”.
“My heart breaks for you Jayne,” they added.
“Life is cruel and fragile.”
It is understood Ryan’s devastated sister Rebecca is making her way home from New Zealand where she works as an estate agent.
Last night one of her brother’s close friends, Daniel Carson, paid tribute to the “most genuine and loveable person” he has ever met.
“Ryan was a shining example of positivity and perseverance,” he said.
“He was also a talented guitarist and an absolute diamond of a guy.
“I’m very proud to have known him throughout my life.”
Gareth Clarke also paid tribute to his old pal who he described as “one of the nicest fellas you could ever meet”.
“Ryan wouldn’t have passed anyone on the street without speaking to them,” he said.
“I remember me and my brother used to sit and sing with him as he played the guitar.
“I send my sincere sympathy to his mum Jayne and the rest of his family and friends.”
Ards Peninsula councillor Joe Boyle said the tragic incident has “shocked and saddened” the entire community.
“This is a very dark day for Portaferry,” he said.
“All I can do is offer my heartfelt condolences to Ryan’s family at this extremely difficult time.
“It must be agony for them to know that he isn’t coming back home across the lough.”
Mr Boyle said the many people who had been quietly hoping the young man’s condition would improve have been left numb.
“It is such a tragic outcome of what should have been a fun night out and is absolutely heartbreaking for many families.”
Rowallane councillor William Walker also offered his condolences to Ryan’s grief-stricken family.
“What they must be going through is absolutely horrendous and the thoughts of everyone in this community are with them.”
Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them on 101.
❝ It must be agony for Ryan Macrae’s family to know that he isn’t coming home across the lough