Beloved Buncrana man AJ Doyle has been remembered as a thrillseeker with a love of life, laughter and adventure.
A poignant memorial took place in Perth yesterday to honour the popular 30-year-old Donegal man who tragically died in a road collision on Easter Sunday.
AJ, who was living and working in Australia, lost his life in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Lathlain.
As arrangements are being made to repatriate AJ home to Inishowen, scores of friends in Perth gathered in mourning at the peaceful Roe Gardens on Sunday to pray for a young man whose life was taken all too soon. Thousands more turned into a live stream on social media.
A heartfelt eulogy written by AJ’s heartbroken friends was read out in celebration of what a truly unique character AJ was.
Mourners heard that AJ was a thrill-seeker who lived life to the fullest while always seeking his next adrenaline rush. He loved any exciting activity, from jet skiing to quad biking to exotic travel, and his friends now take comfort in knowing he was doing what he loved right to the end.
“Though he may no longer be with us, AJ’s legacy as a true thrill-seeker will continue to ignite the spark of adventure in all who knew him,” the eulogy said.
“As we gather to remember and celebrate the life of our dear friend, let us carry his cheeky smile and infectious personality forever in our minds.”
Over the past week, pals have been reflecting on stories about AJ and the impact he has had on so many people.
“Though he may be no longer with us in body, his spirit lives on in the cherished memories we hold dear and the love that continues to bind us together,” they said.
“May we all find comfort in knowing that AJ’s legacy of laughter, adventure and love will forever guide us on our own journeys.”
Attendees were invited to place roses in front of a photo of AJ as a symbol of love and remembrance.
AJ is mourned by his mother Caroline McKinney, father Jason Doyle, and beloved brothers Aaron, Jamie, Gareth, Thomas and sister Eva; Granny Anne, Granda Charlie McKinney and extended family and his many friends at home and abroad.
As tributes continue to flow in for AJ, a fundraiser to have his remains repatriated home to his family in Inishowen has reached $158,454 (€96,000). Almost 900 people have donated to the GoFundMe, which was set up to support AJ’s family, The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, and bring his personal belongings home. To support the fundraiser please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-honour-of-aj-doyle