'A shining star gone too soon': Tributes pour in following the death of Waterford native

Tributes have come flooding in following the death of Waterford's Michael Anthony Barron, who died unexpectedly on Sunday, January 26, in Manchester. 

38-year-old Michael is predeceased by his stepfather Michael O’Callaghan.

He will be sadly missed by his loving mother Mary, brothers Thomas and John, his sisters Julie, Valerie, Lorraine and Lisa, his sisters-in-law Mary and Amber, brothers-in-law Dean, Marcel, Charlie and Kieran, his nephews Alex, Robbie, JJ, Sonny and Beau, his niece Holly, aunts, uncles, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Many friends, family, and former colleagues took to RIP.ie to express their condolences.

One past co-worker shared his joy of knowing Michael, saying, "My deepest condolences for the loss of our dear Michael, I will never forget how much joy, laughter and fun we shared together over the years. It was a great pleasure to not only work together but to have shared so many fun and happy times. Will never forget and will cherish these memories forever. Sending love and strength to the family and friends. Rest in peace my friend xx"

While a friend of Michael's gave some insight into how beautiful of a person he was, "Sincere condolences to the whole of Michael's family. Michael was a friend I grew to know dearly in Dublin some years ago. My memories of him will always keep a special place in my heart. Such a sparkling, vibrant and funny friend. Michael your unique soul shone outwards. You had character creativity, and individuality and that made you beyond special. Thank you for the memories, the friendship and the charisma to be authentically you. Heaven has gained a fabulous superstar. Rest in power my friend."

A third friend said, "A shining star gone too soon. I’m so so grateful to have met you Michael, I just wish I would have had more time to spend with you. You are truly one in a million, a heart of gold and a wonderful wonderful man. We will talk about you always and never forget the joy you brought to all of us. Sending love and condolences to your family at this sad time. Sleep tight darling xxx" 

READ MORE: Registration open for Waterford's Local Enterprise Week taking place this March

A vigil was held for the much-loved man, who was living in the UK at the time of his death, by The Masquerade, a LGBTQ+ bar in Liverpool. Taking place on Sunday, February 16, the gathering featured many friends of Michael's who shared their wonderful memories of him, before releasing balloons in his honour. 

Taking to their social media, a spokesperson for the LGBTQ+ venue, which the late Michael frequented, said, "The tragic loss of Michael has left all of our community shell shocked from Dublin, Brighton, Manchester and Liverpool, you were loved so much, your cheeky smile and your ability to say what you think just made you fabulous.”

The Waterford native reposed in Thompson's Funeral Home in Waterford on Sunday, February 16, from 2.00 pm to 5:00 pm with vigil prayers and rosary said at 4:30 pm.

His funeral cortege walked from Thompson's Funeral Home on Monday, February 17, to Ballybricken Church for Requiem Mass at 10:30am, which was followed by private cremation.

No flowers were requested, but instead, donations, if desired, to Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust who helped bring Michael home.

The Greater Manchester Police have issued an appeal for people to come forward with information regarding his death, where he was found unresponsive in a block of flats. 

May Michael rest in peace.