A heartbroken family have paid tribute to a Dublin hospital cleaner who sadly died after contracting coronavirus.
Dorel Giurca, a Romania native, picked up the virus while working hard on the front line at St James's Hospital in the capital.
The 53-year-old started in the hospital in 2017 after moving to Ireland with his wife to begin an exciting new life thousands of miles away.
He tragically lost his life at the hands of the cruel virus while working hard on the front line to make sure others didn't contract it
The brave worker received the frightening news of a positive test and died just two days later on May 8 after being rushed to hospital with severe breathing problems.
Distraught loved ones living in Dublin and abroad tried their best to express their sadness following the discovery of the heartbreaking news.
Dorel's sister-in-law posted on social media saying: "With pain in my heart, I announce the passing of my brother-in-law."
She added: "Gone to heaven too soon. Tears and eternal rest for his soul and may God strengthen you my sister."
His shocked cousin added: "May God rest in peace. You left way too early. I hope there are tears and lots of flowers for you."
He is sadly now one of the 1,543 victims of the cruel virus here in Ireland.
Yesterday, there was 64 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Ireland bringing the total number in the country to 24,112.
Health bosses added that 10 more people had sadly died at the hands of coronavirus also.
