Tributes pour in for father-of-three and GAA player who saved many lives at sea

Tributes have been pouring in for a father-of-three and GAA player who unexpectedly passed away.

Garda Dave Fenton from Castletownbere, Co Cork and late of Castlecove, Co Kerry unexpectedly on August 23.

Mr Fenton worked for An Garda Síochána and played GAA with Castletownbere. He volunteered with Castletowhnbere RNLI.

Since the tragic news broke out, tributes have been pouring in for Mr Fenton, who has been described as someone with "unwavering dedication" and as a "great friend and player".

"It is with a heavy heart that we learnt that Town GAA Club has lost our great friend and player Dave Fenton RIP. A stallworth of the team since his arrival in Castletownbere, Dave started in midfield, went on to the forwards and finally to our current goalkeeper! His voice, instruction and his ability to nurture and motivate the younger players was to be commended!  We will miss his influence, passion and quick witt! You will always be our number 1 Dave. Our sincerest sympathy to his beloved wife Laura, his cherished children Emma, Ollie and Mike, and to all the Fenton and O Sullivan families. Codladh samh i measc na naomh go raibh aige,” paid the Castletownbere GAA club in tribute. 

“It was with immense sadness that, yesterday, we learned of the loss of our dedicated volunteer Dave Fenton.  He was a committed lifeboatman and a key member of our small team. Since joining in 2008, he was a crewman, navigator, deputy mechanic, deputy coxswain and member of the Operations Team - all roles he filled unwavering dedication and commitment.  Dave was always available, always first to volunteer, always ready to help - always with courage, humour and compassion. He was on call-outs that were challenging and that saved lives - he not only deserves our recognition but our gratitude. We extend our sincere sympathies to his wife Laura, children Emma, Mike and Ollie, his parents Michael and Anne and to all members of the Fenton and O'Sullivan families. May you find peace in the calm waters beyond, where the seas are gentle and the skies forever clear. Rest easy, Dave,” wrote Castletownbere RNLI in tribute.

Much loved and treasured husband of Laura, adored father of Emma, Mike and Ollie, cherished son of Anne and Michael, brother of Christopher and Joseph, sisters in-law Kate and Aoife, aunts and uncles Patsy and Neil, Teresa and Patrick, Lucy and Martin, Patrick, Pat Downing, nieces Kaitlyn and Rebecca, nephews Eoin and Cillian.

Predeceased by his grandparents Tom and Mary, Jim and Sheila, Uncle Timmy and Aunt Mary.

He will be sadly missed by Laura’s family, Oli and Mary O Sullivan, Andrew, Caoimhe, Aindrías, Aodhán and Adam O’ Sullivan, Sarah, James, Rían, Kacey, and Séimí Hanley, Fiona and Michael Doyle; his cousins, extended family, colleagues in An Garda Síochána, RNLI, Castletownbere GAA, and a wide circle of friends.

The family has asked that donations be made in lieu of flowers to the RNLI.

Funeral details to be announced later.