Shock at NI man’s death in ‘freak accident’

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Coleraine man who died after a “freak accident” in Dublin.

The funeral for Ronan Rafferty (41) was held yesterday at St Malachy’s Church in the Co Londonderry town.

SDLP councillor Stephanie Quigley attended the service and said Mr Rafferty’s unexpected death had shocked the local community.

“I’m told there had been a storm in Dublin and he was on a pier when the accident took place but it’s unclear exactly how it happened,” she said.

“It was a huge shock. He had been very well, happy-golucky and a very gentle, kind and tender-hearted man.

“So I understand this was a freak accident and came completely out of the blue.”

A family notice described him as the precious son of Michael and Patricia and the beloved brother of Angela, Fidelma, Michael, Niall, Aidan, Ciara and the late James.

“The funeral service was one of the biggest I’ve ever seen in the parish,” Ms Quigley said.

“This guy was deeply loved, had a great sense of humour and obviously his parents are heartbroken. Both of them are in shock, but he was so well thought of and there were people of all ages at the service.

“We heard how full of life he was, enjoying surfing and snowboarding and living to the full. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family.”