RIP: Heartbreak as 'exceptional' young Irish firefighter and dad-of-two 'taken too soon'

Heartfelt tributes have poured in following the sudden death of a young Irish firefighter, paramedic and father-of-two who passed away this week.

David Stafford, from East Wall in Dublin, passed away "unexpectedly at home" on Thursday, September 25. He has been remembered in his RIP.ie death notice as the "beloved Partner of Steph and loving father of Blake and Quinn" and someone who will be "sadly missed by his father Gerry, sister Mandy and brothers Philip and Stephen, grandmother Sheila", extended family, colleagues, friends and neighbours.

Dublin Fire Brigade described him as "an exceptionally well-liked and well thought of young man and Firefighter/Paramedic."

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In a statement, the service said: "All at Dublin Fire Brigade are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend David Stafford, Badge 750. Dave joined Dublin Fire Brigade as an Emergency Service Controller and worked his way to Firefighter/Paramedic.

"Based in North Strand, David was an exceptionally well-liked and well thought of young man and Firefighter/Paramedic. In every aspect of his life and work, he held an exemplary record in DFB.

"He will be sorely missed by all, especially his crew in North Strand."

Friends, neighbours and colleagues also paid tribute, with one mourner writing: "Steph I can't even begin to imagine what you and both families are going through right now, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss, David was an absolute gent! I haven't stopped thinking of you all."

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A colleague wrote: "We will miss you so much on the watch, our dear friend and colleague. You will be with us on every turn out. Rest in peace Davey see you on the other side."

Others recalled his kindness and humour, with one saying: "My sincere condolences to Stephen and all of David's family, friends and colleagues. I taught David in Joeys. He was an absolute gentleman. May he rest in peace."

Local councillor Malachy Steenson said: "David was a lovely young man, a father of two, a partner, son and firefighter. He will be deeply missed within the community. Stephanie, Gerry, David's two little ones and indeed all his family and friends will be in our thoughts and prayers this weekend.

“RIP David, Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

David will repose at his home on Monday evening, with removal on Tuesday morning to St Joseph's Church, East Wall for Funeral Mass at 11am, followed by burial in New Balgriffin Cemetery.