Tributes pour in for young Irish dad-of-three who died unexpectedly in Wales
Ian McCormack, from Drogheda, passed away "unexpectedly" in Abercynon on May 14 at the age of 32.
A death notice shared by his family remembered Ian as a "loving dad to Ellie, Myri and Ciarán; beloved son of Brendan and Theresa, and dear brother to Martin".
"Ian will be sadly missed by all his family, including Steph, Emma and José; also by his relatives and friends in Wales and Ireland," the notice added.
Ian's sudden death has caused shock and heartbreak among his friends and family in both Wales and Ireland, with emotional tributes pouring in for the popular father-of-three.
Ian was a talented musician who played trombone in the Drogheda Brass Band before he moved to Wales, with the group posting a tribute to their former member online.
"All at Drogheda Brass Band were saddened to hear of the passing of our former trombone player Ian McCormack suddenly in Wales," they wrote in a message shared on social media.
"We remember him fondly from his time with us, most especially at the European Brass Band Championships in Oostende, Belgium, in 2009. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. Rest in peace."
Friends and neighbours have also paid tribute to the Drogheda native, who has been remembered for the 'honesty, strength, and kindness' he showed to others throughout his life.
A close friend of Martin's said: "Dear Martin and Family, though I haven't met you all, I've known Martin for a long time and am grateful to call him my true friend. I was deeply saddened to hear about your loss. Losing someone so young is incredibly hard, and my thoughts are with you all, especially the children, during this difficult time.
"Martin's honesty, strength, and kindness reflect the family he comes from. I hope you find comfort and support in one another as you navigate this. Please know you're in my thoughts and if there's anything I can do to help, just let me know."
Another mourner said: "We were very sad to hear this news. Ian was a very lovely young man. Thinking of his family at this tragic time."
While a third person said: "To Martin and the whole family, my deepest condolences with the loss of Ian. To lose someone who was a father, a son and a brother is devastating. I hope the whole family can find comfort and support with each other through these difficult times."
Ian will lie in repose in Townley's Funeral Home in Drogheda on Wednesday from 3pm until 7pm. His Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday at 11:30am in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Drogheda, with burial afterwards in Newtown Cross Lawns Cemetery.
Mourners unable to attend the funeral mass can be view the ceremony live on www.saintpetersdrogheda.ie.
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