Tributes pour in for 25-year-old who unexpectedly died in New Zealand

Tributes have poured in for Maurice McCarthy, a Kilkenny man who died unexpectedly in New Zealand.

Maurice McCarthy, aged 25, unexpectedly died on Monday, April 8 in Geraldine, South Canterbury, New Zealand.

He worked for Woodley’s Contracting in Geraldine.

A fundraiser has been set up to repatriate Maurice back home to his family, and the initial target of €80,000 has been raised.

Since the tragic news broke out, tributes have been pouring in for the young man, who has been remembered as 'fun-spirited' who touched so many lives' in his 'short 25 years'.  

"Rest in Peace my friend we will all miss ya buddy. All the memories of all the craic and hardship we used to have up in the shed will always live on. Until we meet again my friend," paid a loved one in tribute. 

"The funds are being donated to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, they help bring 4 people home a week and have been an outstanding support in this devastating time. Every donation is greatly appreciated. Maurice will be dearly missed by so many," said one of Maurice's friends. 

A memorial will celebrate the life of the young man, who was “well respected and dearly loved” by his colleagues, this Friday at 2.30pm at Stonebridge, Geraldine in New Zealand.

Maurice McCarthy was originally of Garrandarragh, Mullinavat, Kilkenny and Mullinavat, Waterford.

He is predeceased by his grandparents Jimmy and Anna McCarthy (Farnogue, Bigwood) and his grandfather Maurice Harney (Graiguerush, Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford.

Treasured son of Sean and Eleanor (Née Harney), he will be sadly missed by his heartbroken sister Anne Marie (Healy) and brothers Martin, James, John and Rory, sister-in-law Tegan, brother-in-law Thomas, adored grandson of Bridget (Harney), uncles Patrick, Val and Maurice Austin, aunts Lynda and Anne, niece Ava, nephew Sean, cousins, all at Woodley's Agricultural, extended family, neighbours and Maurice's many friends.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.