A tragic powerlifter will be laid to rest in his native county after he died unexpectedly on his honeymoon.
Tommy 'Spike' McCormack, from Ballinamore in Leitrim passed away last Saturday while holidaying in Croatia with his wife Karen Guthrie.
A crowdfunding appeal launched by family and friends raised over €66,700 to bring his body back to Ireland and he will be buried in Ballinamore next week.
A notice posted on the page reads: "The funds raised will go towards facilitating the most comfortable final journey for our beloved Spike.
"This includes a donation to The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust whose aims are to alleviate the financial hardship of bereaved families repatriating the body (bodies) of loved one(s) who have died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances back to Ireland.
"Without the trust we would truly be lost. Their ability to promptly respond in our time of need has been invaluable.
"We would like to pay it forward by collecting funds for families when they experience tragedies like this.
"Always known for his generosity to any cause, we ask that you take the time, to honour Spike and help us thank them for their exceptional care at this terrible time."
A death notice posted on RIP.ie reads: "He will be dearly missed by his heartbroken wife Karen, his parents Tommy and Teresa, sisters Elaine, Majella, Leona and his beloved twin Emma, parents-in-law Joe and Rita Guthrie, sisters-in-law Michelle & Danielle, brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and his extended family.
"'Spike' was loved far and wide and he will be sadly missed by all his neighbours, work colleagues, those who knew him through his many sporting endeavours and by his huge circle of friends."
A wake will be held at the family home in Tarmon in Ballinamore on Monday, August 5, from 12pm until 5pm. (Family time thereafter).
Removal to St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinamore will take place on Monday evening arriving at 8pm.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday at 12pm followed by burial in Oughteragh cemetery in Ballinamore.
More information on the crowdfunding appeal can be found here.
