Tragedy down under

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Mountfield man who died tragically on Friday after becoming ill suddenly last week while in Australia.

Rory Bradley, who was in his early 30s, was being treated in intensive care in Sydney, where he had been living and working.

His parents, Gerard and Susan, had flown from Ireland to be with their son in his final moments. His death has shocked the local community and, already, £70,000 has been raised to assist the family with re-patriating his remains.

Last week, hundreds of people had also taken part in a rosary in the grounds of Corpus Christi Church in Mountfield for Mr Bradley.

Speaking to the TyroneHerald, the Parish Priest of Cappagh, Fr Kevin McElhennon, said Mr Bradley and his family were very well regarded within the local community of

Mountfield and the suddenness of his death was a tragedy.

“It has just been so sudden for his parents and family and a terrible tragedy, not only for them but also the whole community of Mountfield,” he said.

“The Bradleys are well regarded within the area and when one family experiences something as painful and sudden as this, everyone feels that sense of loss.

“Rory’s parents, Gerard and Susan, were able to get over to Australia to see Rory and spend some precious time with him before he died.

“That was so important for them and thankfully they got all the support that was necessary to help them make that trip.

“His mother, Susan, is sacristan in the church in Mountfield and Gerard and the whole family are so much a part of the community. I know that they will get much-needed support from everyone during the time ahead.”

Fermanagh and Omagh Sinn Fein councillor, Padraigin Kelly, said both the rosary on Monday and the money raised to date to help re-patriate Mr Bradley’s remains were testament to the strength of the Mountfield community and their anxiety to help the family at this time.

“This is a terrible tragedy for the family, the community and all those who knew him and I would like to pass on my condolences to the Bradley family,” she said.

“It is clear that the Mountfield community has great strength and camaradie which will continue to be very much seen in the days and time ahead.

“The money which has so far been raised is evidence of the desire among so many people to help the family and is the least that so many people can do to support them in this difficult period.”