Sadness after death of man in Majorca

Sadness after death of man in Majorca

16 July 2014

THE family of a Downpatrick man who died while on holiday in Majorca have paid tribute to the “happy go lucky” family man.

Alfie Kelly, from Ballyalton, was on holiday with his son Thomas and a friend on Friday when he died in a hotel in Magaluf.

It was reported that he had fallen down stairs in a hotel and it has since been confirmed that he had a heart attack.

The popular 56 year-old was a father to three grown-up daughters and two sons. Working in an ice-cream van, he was a familiar face to many in the area.

His grieving sister Patricia Curran said it was a “terrible” situation for Alfie’s son Thomas, who is still in Spain.

“We now know Alfie had a heart attack,” she said. “We were able to get some papers sorted and hope to be able to complete everything required around the body. We hope to get him home on Saturday.”

Patricia said the community support shown to the family had been of some comfort during the past few days.

“He was very well known, very well known,” she said. He was a happy go lucky person. There was nobody who had a bad word to say about him.”

Patricia said she would remember her brother’s particular love of music.

“He actually played the guitar in a band,” she said. “He had a lifelong interest and loved country and western.

“His favourite songs were ‘Two Sweethearts’ and ‘Noreen Bawn’ but he also liked Elvis and would have sung his songs.”

Alfie’s son Thomas, who remains in Majorca, also spoke with fondness of his young at heart dad.

He posted the following tribute on Facebook: “My dad!! Were do I start he wasn’t just my dad but one of my best friends! Always lived life to the full and partied like a 21 year old! If I turn out to be half the man he was it’ll be an honour ..saddest day of my life...”

Other tributes posted by friends referred to him as “absolute gentleman” and “an amazing man who everyone loved”.

One read: “Always looked forward to the craic with him after the Ice cream van run never met a nicer man.... true gent.”

Councillor Eamonn Mac Con Midhe, who went to school with Mr. Kelly, said he was saddened to hear of his death.

“Alfie was a very easy going and friendly person who would have done anything to help anybody,” he said.

Downpatrick councillor Colin McGrath, who got to know some of the family through his work at the Patrician Youth Centre, said Mr. Kelly was a devoted father.

“He had a relationship with his children that many would be envious of,” he said. “It is a very, very tragic time for the family and they are obviously heartbroken.”

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie also extended her sympathies to Mr. Kelly’s family.

“I know that the local community will stand shoulder to shoulder with them in support and solidarity in the days and months to come,” she said.

Alfie Kelly is survived by his children Wanda (34), James (30), Stacey (24), Thomas (20) and Shannon (17), daughter-in-law Shelley and his grandchildren Tiernan and Flynn, both aged two. He is also mourned by his sisters Patricia and Susan and his brother Peter, and predeceased by his sister Mary.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be made.