Fundraiser launched to bring young man (25) who died in New Zealand home to Kilkenny

A fundraiser has been set up on behalf of Maurice McCarthy’s family, a Kilkenny man who died in New Zealand.

Maurice McCarthy, aged 25, unexpectedly died on Monday, April 8 in Geraldine, South Canterbury, New Zealand.

He worked for Woodley’s Contracting in Geraldine.

The funds raised will be used to repatriate Maurice home to his family.

“Maurice was a hugely popular character who was known and loved by so many in Ireland and abroad. Maurice made the move to New Zealand in October 2019 and to say he flourished there is an understatement.

“In his short 25 years, he touched so many lives and made so many journeys. It’s time now for his final journey back home to us in Mullinavat,” said Hannah Lonergan, who set up the GoFundMe.

“Funds raised are being used to bring Maurice home to us and to alleviate the financial hardship of other families in this devastating situation. We appreciate absolutely anything that you can contribute. Please kindly support this in any way you can, from donating to sharing this fundraiser for others to see. Your support is greatly appreciated by all who knew Maurice,” she added.

Since the tragic news broke out, tributes have been pouring in for Maurice, who has been described as “beautiful” and “kind-spirited”.

"Rest in Peace my friend we will all miss ya buddy. All the memories of all the craic and hardship we used to have up in the shed will always live on. Until we meet again my friend,” wrote a friend in tribute.

A memorial will celebrate the life of the young man, who was “well respected and dearly loved” by his colleagues.

The memorial will take place at Stonebridge, Geraldine on Friday, April 12 at 2.30pm.

Maurice McCarthy was originally of Garrandarragh, Mullinavat, Kilkenny and Mullinavat, Waterford.

He is predeceased by his grandparents Jimmy and Anna McCarthy (Farnogue, Bigwood) and his grandfather Maurice Harney (Graiguerush, Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford.

Treasured son of Sean and Eleanor (Née Harney), he will be sadly missed by his heartbroken sister Anne Marie (Healy) and brothers Martin, James, John and Rory, sister-in-law Tegan, brother-in-law Thomas, adored grandson of Bridget (Harney), uncles Patrick, Val and Maurice Austin, aunts Lynda and Anne, niece Ava, nephew Sean, cousins, all at Woodley's Agricultural, extended family, neighbours and Maurice's many friends.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.