Friends of the popular young Derry man, Patrick Friel Curran, who died suddenly in New York yesterday, are coming together to help his family bring him home.
Patrick taking part in the Derry Marathon in June.
Patrick (23), from Ballymagroarty, passed away yesterday in a Brooklyn Hospital. He had only been living in America a few months.
His father, Damian, had flown out to be with Patrick when he fell ill on Sunday.
A former pupil of St Joseph’s Boys School, Patrick was well known as a barman in the city having worked in a number of restaurants including Fitzroys and Quay West. He was also a talented long-distance runner and took part in this year’s Derry and London Marathons, running the later in aid of the Foyle Hospice.
Patrick’s uncle, John Curran, said the family’s hearts were broken by the “awful sad news” of his passing.
He added: “He was a fine young man in every way. The world has lost true gentleman.”
John Storey, of Fitzroys, said he was “stunned” by the news of Patrick’s death.
He said: “We are numbed by this news. He was such a lovely person. Our sympathies go out to his family.”
Patrick ran and completed the London Marathon in April and Derry Marathon in June. His coach, Billy Orr, of Foyle Valley Athletic Club, also paid tribute.
He said: “I met Paddy earlier this year and he was an absolute pleasure to coach for the London Marathon. He was a talented runner who was held in the highest regard by myself and everyone else at Foyle Valley Athletic Club.”
Numerous tributes are being posted on Patrick’s Facebook page.
Mark Walker posted: “My heart bleeds for the Curran and Friel families. They have had an amazing son, brother, nephew grandson or cousin taken away. You are a star Patrick Friel Curran and will never be forgotten.”
A Facebook page, The Patrick Friel Memorial, has been set up to accept donations towards bringing Patrick home.
A number of fundraising events have also been organised.
A disco will be held upstairs in Mason’s Bar this Friday night, beginning at 9.00pm with a door charge of £5
Another fundraiser will be held in Pitchers Restaurant at the Foyle Golf Centre on Saturday, 5 October next. Tickets, priced £10, will be available shortly from the Bentley Bar and Restaurant, Fitzroys Restaurant, Quaywest Restaurant and Tinney’s Bar.
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