An Irish family has been left heartbroken after the sudden death of a young man in New Zealand over the weekend.
Declan Curley, from Clonark near Athlone in Co Roscommon, died after he was hit by a car in Wellington on Saturday morning.
He was out walking when the incident happened in the Te Aro area at about 3.30am local time.
Local media report that Declan was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the car is said to be assisting police with their enquiries.
Tributes have been pouring in for the popular man since the sad news of his death was confirmed.
Clann na nGael GAA club in Athlone said on Monday: "It is with deep regret and sadness that the club has learned of the untimely and tragic passing of Declan Curley.
"Declan played underage football with Clann na nGael and followed the progress of Clann and his beloved Roscommon with great interest.
"We express our deepest sympathies to Declan’s parents Tommy & Rena, his partner Samantha, the extended Curley and Ganly families and also Declan’s many friends and neighbours on their terrible loss."
One local business in the town, Matrix Bathrooms and Heating, added: "The death has occurred of Declan Curley our friend & neighbour of Clonark, Athlone.
"As many of you who have known Declan he had a wide circle of friends and would light up any occasion with his deep but witty voice.
"Sadly missed by his heart broken parents Tommy and Rena (nee Ganly), his partner Sam and her daughter Mia, aunts, uncles, cousins and a wide circle of friends both in Ireland and New Zealand."
Friends, former colleagues from the Department of Health and members of the local community also extended their condolences to Declan's family after his tragic death.
One person who worked with Declan said: "My deepest condolences to Declan's family, partner and friends on his tragic passing. Declan was a true gentleman.
"He was a great character and always lit up the office with his great humour and bubbly personality, you will be truly missed, Rest in Peace Declan."
Another former colleague added: "Deepest condolences to Declan’s parents, partner, extended family and friends on your very sad and tragic loss. Had the pleasure of working with Declan in both Penneys and the Dept of Education. He was a lovely lad and a great character. Rest in peace Declan."
One acquaintance said: "So shocked and saddened to hear of Declan's passing. A genuinely nice guy with a smile and chat for anyone he met. Condolences to his family may he rest in eternal peace."
A second said: "Tommy and Rena, our heartfelt sympathies go out to you both on Declan's tragic and untimely death.
"You should be so proud of the man he had become. He will leave a void in the lives of all those who knew him. Our deepest condolences to his partner Sam and her daughter Mia and all Declan's relatives and many friends. May he rest in peace."
A third added: "Shocked and saddened to hear of Declan’s passing, he was a gent and a wonderful, funny person who will be deeply missed. Condolences to his family at this sad time, may he rest in peace."
Funeral details will be announced for Declan at a later date.
A notice on RIP.ie reads: "Tragically in New Zealand. Sadly missed by his heart broken parents Tommy and Rena (nee Ganly) his partner Sam and her daughter Mia, aunts, uncles, cousins and a wide circle of friends both in Ireland and New Zealand.
"Declan’s family would like to express their gratitude to the Irish community in New Zealand.
"House strictly private please. Funeral arrangements later.
"Family flowers only please, donations in lieu to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust."
The Department of Foreign Affairs has been contacted by the Irish Mirror for comment.
