Family thanks public for support as funeral details for Declan Curley are confirmed

The family of Declan Curley, the South Roscommon man who died when he was hit by a car in New Zealand earlier this month have thanked the public for their "many messages of support and love" since the tragedy occurred.

It was announced today that the funeral of the 37-year-old, from Clonark, Athlone, will take place on Monday next, February 28.

Declan's remains will leave his residence on Monday morning for Mass of the Resurrection in Our Lady of the Wayside Church, Clonown, at 12 noon, followed by cremation in Shannon Crematorium at 3.30pm.

The Mass will be available for viewing online here.

Declan is sadly missed by his heartbroken parents Tommy and Rena (nee Ganly) his partner Sam and her daughter Mia, aunts, uncles, cousins and a wide circle of friends both in Ireland and New Zealand.

In announcing the funeral details, the family expressed its gratitude for the support received since Declan's passing in the early hours of Saturday, February 12 (New Zealand time).

"The family wish to express our gratitude for the outpouring of condolences on the passing of our dear Declan.

"We hope you can all understand the need for privacy at this time while we say goodbye to Declan. Your many messages of support and love are giving us much comfort at this difficult time," said the family.

An online fundraising appeal which friends of Declan's launched to help bring him and his "New Zealand family" back to Ireland prompted a huge response, with more than €50,000 raised over the last week.