Tributes have been paid to Emmett Blaine, the young Donegal teacher who died tragically following an accident in Dubai.
Emmett, who was just 27, is believed to have died after falling from a balcony.
Emmett was originally from the village of Mountcharles, just outside of Donegal town.
He had taught at St Eunan’s College in Letterkenny before travelling abroad to work.
A tribute on the St Eunan’s College website read: “Emmett was well liked in the classroom and a great character in the staff room — he will be remembered fondly by everybody who met him. Rest in Peace Emmett.”
He was a member of the local GAA Club, St Naul’s, where he played with their reserve side for a number of years.
Club chairman Joseph Brennan said: “We got word [on Saturday] just before dinner time of the sad passing of Emmett Blain. He would have played right through underage ranks at the club here.
“He played in the reserves when he was home because he was out in Dubai that last couple of years.
“He loved it out there. He played last year as well when he was about. Ah it’s sad. It’s a big shock, big shock.”
He added: “In a small community when this comes upon it, you know you hear about it but when it comes to your own door it’s a big blow for everybody to take.
“He was a grand, fine player. Good footballing ability, plenty of pedigree.
“For us to lose a player like that is tough. It’s tough on us and definitely tough on his mother and father and his brother and sister and his wider family circle. We have to think of them at this hard time.”
Meanwhile, the Irish embassy in Dubai is liaising with the family and arrangements are being made to have his remains returned to Ireland.
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