Tributes have been paid to a popular young man from North Belfast following his sudden death.
Dad-of-one Odhran Doherty from Ardoyne passed away on Tuesday, aged 19.
The Manchester United football fan had just become a father to a baby girl last year and was a past pupil of Edmund Rice College, Glengormley.
A fundraising campaign has also been launched to support his grieving family with funeral costs, which has already raised over £3,500.
The SPAR convenience shop in Ardoyne, where Odhran worked, posted on Facebook: “A pleasure to have worked with this amazing young gentleman. Our hearts are struggling with the tragic news. Rest in peace from all of your Spar family.”
Paying tribute, Ardoyne Youth Club said Odhran has been a massive part of the AYC family for the past decade.
"Sending sincere condolences to all his family and his friendship circle. We have some great memories of Odhran which we will cherish forever,” they added.
Odhran was also remembered as a steward at some of the Cliftonville games.
The Northern Ireland Youth Forum said: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Doherty family and friends for the sudden loss of Odhran Doherty. One of life’s true gentlemen. We were privileged to have worked with him and can’t imagine the loss felt by his family, friends and community. And by everyone at #RCity. We will miss you Doc."
Ard Eoin Sinn Féin added: "With heavy hearts we would like to send our heart felt condolences to our friends Maureen Doherty, Michael and the entire family circle on the loss of their beautiful son Odhran. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
Family and friends also took to social media to express their shock at Odhran's untimely death.
One of cousins wrote: "Such a sad day for the family, still cant believe what’s happened. Rest easy cous, watch over us all. We love you so much."
A family friend added: "A wide spread heart ache across the district today. Thinking of the whole Doherty family on the passing of Odhran Doherty, nothing less than a gentleman. Thoughts and prayers with them all at this time."
Another tribute read: "Sending my heartfelt condolences to Micky and Maureen and the Doherty family on their loss of their beloved son Odhran. Absolutely devastating news. May God give them all the strength needed. What a guy, rest easy mate."
Ardoyne-based community women’s group, GRACE Women’s Development Limited, started a JustGiving page for his family.
The group posted: “ Weʼre raising £2,000 to support a local family. Funeral costs can be expensive and put strain on families, especially whilst grieving for a loved one.
“As anyone can imagine the loss of a child is every parents worst nightmare. Sadly this has happened in our own community. Please help us financially support a local family.”
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.
