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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Michelle Cullen

RTE Room to Improve's Dermot Bannon 'devastated' after death of young colleague and 'all round wonderful soul'

RTE's Dermott Bannon has paid an emotional tribute to his young work colleague, hailing him as an "all round wonderful soul".

Karl Cullen passed away after a devastating car crash earlier this week.

The Enniscorthy businessman was the proud owner of Karl Cullen Fitted Kitchens and had often appeared on RTE's hit show, Room to Improve, where he added the heart of the home to Dermot's designs.

READ MORE: Fatal crash sees car collide with ditch before bursting into flames in Co Wexford as gardai close road

Karl was killed following a fatal road traffic collision in Wexford when his car collided with a roadside ditch on the R744 in Clonhaston before catching fire.

Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene of the single-vehicle crash in the townland of Clonhaston outside Enniscorthy at around 7.30pm on Sunday, but sadly he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Taking to Instagram to pay tribute to his colleague Dermot said: "Devastated to hear that kind, gentle, unbelievably talented Karl Cullen has tragically died so young, he played a huge part on Room to Improve over the years creating some of the most beautiful joinery, a fantastic problem solver, enthusiastic collaborator and an all round wonderful soul.

Dermot Bannon (Twitter)

"Heartbroken for his parents Karl and Annette, his Brothers Darren and Diarmuid and all his family."

The Room to Improve regular was also a popular sportsman.

His local GAA club, the Enniscorthy Shamrocks, took to social media to offer their condolences.

They said: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that all at Shamrocks GAA Club offer our deepest condolences to Karl Snr, Annette, Darren and Diarmuid on the tragic untimely passing of their son and brother Karl.

"Not only was Karl, or Chalky as he was commonly known, a fantastic sports man who represented both clubs in our town, he was also a fantastic person.

"A friend to each and every member, with a thriving business that is known nationwide."

They added: "Karl was never one to back down from a challenge on the pitch and we have so many fond memories of him, especially our championship winning seasons of 2013 and 2014 which Karl was a pivotal player.

"We are devastated as we come to terms with it and our hearts go out to his family and massive circle of friends.

"Ar dheis de go raibh a anam."

A funeral notice on R.I.P.ie reads: "Beloved son of Karl & Annette and loving brother of Darren & Diarmuid. Sadly missed by his heartbroken family, uncles, aunts, cousins,extended family, friends and work colleagues in Karl Cullen Fitted Kitchens. May he rest in peace.

"Reposing at his residence on Thursday from 5 o'c to 9 o'c. Removal on Friday morning to St. Senan's Parish Church for Funeral Mass at 12 noon and can be viewed online.

"Burial afterwards in Enniscorthy Cemetery. House Private Friday morning please."

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