Main pic: The late Barry ‘Duke’ Breslin with his fiancee, Melissa Taheny, and their son Tommy (3).
More than $180,000 has been raised in just a number of hours for the family of a tragic Donegal man who was killed in a workplace accident in Australia.
Kilcar native Barry Breslin (35), an engaged father of a young boy, lost his life during roadworks in Perth on Thursday morning.
Originally from Straleel, he died in hospital a short time after the accident in Perth’s northern suburbs.
A loving father to Tommy (3), the late Mr Breslin, affectionately known as ‘Duke’, was engaged to Irish woman Melissa Taheny and had been living and working in Western Australia since 2011.
A close family friend set up a GoFundMe page earlier this morning. Within just three hours, it had raised a staggering $160,000 of an overall target of $250,000.
You can donate to the fund HERE or by clicking on the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/barry-duke-breslin
In addition, a separate campaign started by an Australian businessman, Tom Traynor, has raised $28,000. He contributed $20,000 of his own money and has already been in touch with Ms Taheny to transfer the money.
The late Barry ‘Duke’ Breslin.
On the main GoFundMe page, they stated the money would go towards relieving the financial weight on his ‘utterly devastated’ family.
“He moved to Perth, Western Australia, in 2011 – over the years he has touched the hearts of many,” they wrote.
“He was always up for a laugh, whether it be greasing the door handles of a digger, giving yoghurt as sunscreen or being there to celebrate with his family and friends.
“Duke was one in a million. He was a family man at heart and a loyal friend to many around him, he will be sadly missed but not forgotten.”
They also took the opportunity to thank everyone for any donation ‘little or big’ to help his family out.
“If you could also share this with as many friends and family members as possible it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks from Melissa, Tommy and the Breslin family.”
You can donate to the fund HERE or by clicking on the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/barry-duke-breslin
Donations can also be made by scanning the QR Code below:
His brother, Owen, is also living in Australia and has travelled to Perth.
The late Mr Breslin was a hugely popular member of the local community in south west Donegal and played at underage level for Kilcar GAA club. His mother, Mary, is well known in GAA circles all over the county.
In a statement released on Thursday, Kilcar GAA said it was a ‘great shock to us all’ when the news broke of the untimely passing of Barry in Australia.
“Barry played underage for the club for many years and is fondly remembered by the players and all who were involved at the time and to his mother Mary, a tireless volunteer and supporter of our club over the years, our hearts go out to you and your family and we pass on our prayers to you all at this sad time, ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Funeral arrangements will be published later.
The following death notice has been posted on RIP.ie:
‘The tragic death has occurred of Barry Breslin following an accident in Perth, Australia. Beloved father to his son Tommy. Sadly missed by his loving Fiancée, Melissa, his parents Mary and Seamus, his brothers Owen (Beth & Hazel) and Shane (Gerard). House private until further notice. May his gentle soul rest in peace.’
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