Tributes pour in for Irish hiker found dead in Sardinia
John Bergin died aged 39
Tributes have been pouring in for the hiker who was found dead on the Italian island of Sardinia.
Originally from Kilkenny, John Bergin, aged 39, had been reported missing by his family last Thursday while on a holiday with his siblings, after failing to return from a hike.
Following an extensive search, his body was found on Sunday near the Sa Rocca Niedda canal.
Mr Bergin and his family had been hiking the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara, a trail which runs along the coastline, between the towns of Masua and Cala Domestica.
In a statement shared by the funeral home La Ginestra, his family thanked the Emergency services, the helicopter pilots, drone operations, firefighters, the Carabinieri (Italian national police force), as well as the Irish Embassy and all of those who helped.
“…They found our brother John and took care of him, we also thank the La Ginestra funeral home. We will be forever grateful for the support and love that the Sardinians have shown us in the last days,” they said.
Mr Bergin lived in Dublin and was formerly of Dean Street and Rioch Street in Kilkenny City.
Since the tragic news broke out, tributes have been pouring in for Mr Bergin, who has been described as a kind man with "sharp humour".
"My sincere condolences to the Bergin family on the tragic passing of John. John possessed a wit that could brighten the darkest day and his sharp humour was only matched by his kindness and warmth. May he rest in peace," paid someone in tribute.
"Condolences to the Bergin family on the tragic passing of John. Condolences to his uncle Johnny Hennessy and all relations and friends. May heaven be his eternal bed," someone wrote in tribute.
Mr Bergin is survived by his brothers Paschal, Michael, Stephen, David and sister Clare. John will be deeply missed by his loving family, sisters-in-law Tara, Cathy, Angela and Paschal’s fiancé Cinty, nephews and nieces James, Martha, their mother Grace, Jem, Éala, Fionn, Fíadh, Síomha, Anna, Ed, Evie, Max and Kate, uncles Johnny Hennessy, Brendan Bergin, David Bergin, cousins and extended family.
He will also be sorely missed by his work colleagues in Fingal County Council, Local Government Management Agency and a wide circle of friends and neighbours.
He predeceased by his parents Lorcan and Margaret, uncles Eddie, Tom, Phil, his aunt Nellie and his faithful friend Butch the dog.
Mr Bergin will be cremated and a private cremation service will be held in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy on Friday, September 13. Requiem Mass, which will be live-streamed here, will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 17 at 11am in St. Canice's Church, Dean St, Kilkenny (R95 V440) after which his ashes will be laid to rest with his parents at St. Kieran's Cemetery.
Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Alpine and Speleological Rescue Operations, Sardinia, Italy. Donation box in the Church or donate here.