Tributes pour in for Tipperary garda and dad-of-three after sudden passing

Tributes have poured in for a Tipperary garda after he passed away suddenly. 

Damien Sharkey, of Youghalarra Way, Newtown, Nenagh and of Garda College Templemore passed away suddenly at home on July 20, surrounded by his loving family.

Formerly of Templemichael Terrace, Longford, Damien was the dearly loved husband of Joan and the loving father of Abbey, Polly and Mia.

Since the tragic news broke out, tributes have been pouring in for the dad-of-three, who has been described as a "dedicated family-first man" and a "gentleman to the core".

"Deepest sympathy to Joan, Abbie, Polly and Mia on the very, very sad passing of Damien. I had the privilege of working with Damien in the Garda College. He was a true gentleman and a pleasure to work with. He was a dedicated family-first man, and was an example of everything good and kind. May his gentle soul rest in peace," wrote of one of his colleagues in tribute. 

"To the Sharkey family, deepest sympathy of the sudden passing of Damien. May he rest in peace. He was a gentleman to the core and from training over 20 years ago to this day he had a good word and hello for everyone he met. He will be sadly missed by all in the college," paid someone in tribute.

This morning, his colleagues gathered to pay tribute to Damien. 

Predeceased by his adored mother Patricia (Patsy) and father-in-law Berney. Much loved and sadly missed by his heartbroken family, his father Johnny, his brothers and sisters, John, Gary, Paddy, Michelle (Cox), Mary (Doherty) and Martha, mother-in-law Ann, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, colleagues, good neighbours and friends.

Reposing on Wednesday, July 24 at Keller's Funeral Home, Nenagh (E45 XO94), from 5pm until 8pm. Funeral arriving on Thursday to The Church of the Holy Spirit, Youghalarra, (Newtown) (E45 HD98), for Funeral Mass at 12 noon, followed by burial in Garrykennedy Cemetery, Portroe.