Heartfelt tributes have flooded in for a young Irishman who tragically lost his life in a camping accident in Canada.
Charlie Beirne, originally from Boyle in Co Roscommon, but who had been residing in Chilliwack, British Columbia, in recent years, passed away following the tragic incident which took place in Vancouver on Friday, April 17.
The 35 year old hailed from a well-known family in Knockvicar in North Roscommon, who ran the village post office and shop for many years.
Charlie, who was due to celebrate his 36th birthday in two weeks time, is survived by his fiancée Taylor Nicole Walker and his two year old son, Shea, as well as his parents Cathal and Anne Beirne, and sisters Kelly (Tim) and Eimhear.
Charlie’s sudden passing has left his loved ones and friends in both Roscommon and Chilliwack utterly devastated, with an outpouring of heartfelt tributes for the young father.
His former GAA club, St. Michael’s, said it was “deeply saddened” to hear the news of his death.
Charlie Beirne and his son Shea
“Charlie was a talented player and played football for many years. His character lit up every room, and his passing has left our club in shock. Our thoughts are with all of his family at this extremely difficult time,” the club said.
A close friend of Charlie’s said: “Deepest sympathy to Cathal, Anne, Kelly, Eimhear, Taylor, Shae and extended families on the tragic passing of your beloved Charlie.
“I always remember him as a happy, cheeky little guy full of fun, and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. May Charlie’s gentle soul Rest in Peace.”
A neighbour of the Beirne family in Knockvicar said: “We are absolutely heartbroken to hear of the sudden and tragic passing of our dear neighbour and friend Charlie.
Cathal, Ann, Kelly and Eimhear, you are very much in our thoughts as you grieve the loss of a wonderful son and brother. To His son Shea and fiance Taylor our deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.”
Charlie Beirne with his son and partner
A fellow mourner paid tribute, writing: “Sincere condolences to Cathal Anne Kelly Eimhear Taylor and Shae the extended Beirne and Walker families on the tragic and untimely passing of Charlie.
He was a fine young man who was equally at ease with us older generation as he was with his own friends. He was great company whether it be having a game of darts or sitting on a boat on the lake. You will be greatly missed Charlie but your memory will live long. Thoughts and prayers with all. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
A former classmate of Charlie’s expressed she was “absolutely heartbroken to hear of your passing”, adding: “Such fond memories of you in our younger years.
“You brightened up the school and the grueling classes with your fun, wit and mischief but to top it off you were a true gent. I am devastated for your fiancée Taylor and your little boy Shae. May your memory live on in him forever.
“Thinking of the whole family at the truly awful time. May your strength and love guide them through the next few days/weeks and months. Fly high and may you rest in peace.”
Charlie Beirne with his fiancée Taylor Nicole Walker and was the father of a two-year-old son, Shea
Charlie’s friends in Canada have rallied together to launch a fundraiser for his fiancée Taylor in the wake of his tragic passing, with over $20,000 (€17,000) already collected to assist with the young Irishman’s funeral costs.
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