'Heavy hearts' after Kildare man dies in his wife’s arms following short illness

A fundraiser has been set up for the wife of a Kildare man who died of cancer.

Donal (Donie) Casey died peacefully in the arms of his loving wife, Stephanie, on May 28, after a short illness.

Stephanie and Donie met in January 2019, married in 2022 and were planning a “wholesome life together”.

But in April 2024, Donie went to the doctor for blood tests. On May 23, the couple were told Donie had liver cancer - and that no treatment was available.

To help Stephanie grieve, a community in Kildare has set up a GoFundMe campaign.

“It comes with a heavy heart to share the story of our dear friend Donie Casey who after a very brief and unexpected illness, passed away on the 28th May 2024 wrapped in the loving arms of his heartbroken wife Stephanie,” read the fundraiser page.

“Donie went to the doctor for blood tests on the 25th April 2024 and as a result was admitted to Portlaoise Hospital where numerous tests were ran. On the 23rd May, Stephanie and Donie received the heartbreaking news that Donie had Liver Cancer and there was no treatment available.”

“As Donie’s friends we have set up this GoFundMe to show support, as a community, for Stephanie who is grieving during this very hard and difficult time.

“All funds raised through his campaign will go directly Stephanie to help cover funeral expenses and provide some financial stability during this challenging and devastating period in her life.”

Donie is predeceased by his parents Mary and Christy Nolan, his mother Bernie Casey, siblings Baby William, JohnJoe, Lynda and Lyle.

Sadly missed by his loving wife, Stephanie, Dad Mick Casey, mother and father-in-law Marie & Trevor, sister-in-law Gemma & her daughter Bonnie, brothers-in-law Scott & T.J., godson Ryan, brothers & sisters Sean, Conor, Declan, Christopher, Regina, Hollie, Vicky, Naomi, Vanessa, Natasha, Fiona & Nicola, sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives and friends.