Moate man dies in Thailand

The community of Moate is this week reeling from the shock of the news that Moate native Clive O'Dowd has died in Thailand. Clive, who was in his 30s, passed away on Monday in Thailand. It is understood he was holidaying in Thailand and had been living in New Zealand. He is survived by his parents Noel and Marie, who live on Station Road, Moate. Clive is also survived by his siblings Keith and Hazel. His brother Keith paid tribute to his brother on his Facebook page, saying: "Goodnight Clive my lovely brother. RIP. We will never forget you, God is with you now." The Department of Foreign Affairs said yesterday (Tuesday) it was providing consular assistance to the O'Dowd family. The news plunged the town of Moate into shock on Monday and people were this week paying tribute to Clive and his family, who are held in the highest esteem in the community. Clive was this week described as 'a very friendly man' and 'a lovely, lovely fella' by those in his hometown. Local councillor Tom Allen said the town was in shock after hearing the news of Clive's death. "It was an awful shock to the system when I heard. He was a lovely, lovely fella," he said. Cllr Allen also paid tribute to the O'Dowd family, saying Clive's father Noel had been a guard in the town for a number of years and was very well liked. "On behalf of myself and my own family I want to extend my deepest sympathy to them at this time of tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time," he said. Cllr Joe Whelan also extended his sympathy to the O'Dowd family. "The O'Dowd family are held in the highest esteem in the community. It's impossible to comprehend their shock and sadness. The whole community is rallying behind them."