Deep sadness over death of popular local man

The communities of Rosemount, Moate, Horseleap and Tubber were plunged into mourning on Thursday last when news emerged of the sudden death of Kieran Dunican.

A popular young farmer in his early 40s, Kieran died after taking ill when exercising near his home. Kieran will be dearly missed by his heartbroken wife Linda (née Heavin) and his two young sons, Luke and Ollie.

Kieran's mother Eileen is a retired teacher who worked in Rosemount NS, and his late father Larry was well respected in the community and he played football for Rosemount GAA club. Kieran will also be sadly missed by his brother, Peter, and sisters, Laura and Orlaith.

Kieran's wife Linda hails from a prominent sporting family from Moate and her brother Ger is a former Westmeath senior football captain. Both Ger and his brother Mickey played for Moate All Whites for many years.

Linda has two sisters, Sharon and Lisa, and her father Eamon and uncle Tommy are a familiar presence as supporters at GAA matches of every kind.

At this time of deep sorrow and loss, the extended family and friends are rallying around Linda and her two young sons.

Despite very heavy rain on Sunday evening, large crowds made their way to the family home in Curraghanana, Horseleap to pay their respects to Kieran and to sympathise with his family. A montage of family photos to mark Kieran's 40th birthday was a particularly poignant sight in the room where he lay in repose.

Kieran Dunican of Curraghanana, Horseleap, Moate, died unexpectedly on September 8. Predeceased by his father Larry, Kieran will be deeply missed by his loving wife Linda, sons Luke and Ollie, mother Eileen, brother Peter, sisters Laura (Cummins) and Orlaith (Coleman), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, parents-in-law, aunts, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Both Rosemount GAA and Moate All Whites GAA have extended sincere condolences to Kieran's family and friends.

"Rosemount GAA would like to offer its sincere condolences to the Dunican family on the tragic loss of Kieran. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Linda, sons Ollie and Luke, Eileen, Laura, Peter, Orlaith and all friends & family during this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam," Rosemount GAA posted online.

"Moate All Whites would like to offer its sincere condolences to the Heavin and Dunican family on the tragic loss of Kieran Dunican. We keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam," said Moate All Whites GAA.

Having reposed at his home earlier today (Sunday), removal to the Carmelite Church, Moate will take place tomorrow (Monday) arriving at 11.50am, with Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in Rosemount Cemetery.

Kieran’s Funeral Mass can be viewed live on https://churchmedia.ie/carmelite-church-moate/

May Kieran rest in peace.