The funeral of an Irishman who died just hours after arriving in Dubai to start a new life will be held this weekend.
Killian Roche, 32, had moved to the emirate with his fiancée Emily MacKeogh, a popular model and actress in Ireland.
Mr Roche was said to be taking up a new position as head of digital for a media agency in the Middle East and Africa region.
He collapsed and died at a Dubai hotel on Saturday, March 30.
Tributes will be paid to Mr Roche during what his family are calling a celebration of life ceremony being held at Dublin’s Dardistown crematorium at 2pm on Saturday.
"Adored and forever loved by his parents Brian and Christine, sisters Aisling and Niamh, fiancée Emily MacKeogh, best pal Zeb, grandparents Mathew and Marjorie Roche, grandmother Maureen Gorman and his deceased grandad Christopher Gorman, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family friends and colleagues,” read a notice on the website RIP.ie
Mr Roche’s family has requested family flowers only, but donations if desired can be made to Doctors Without Borders and the Kevin Bell Trust, an organisation that helps Irish families repatriate loved ones who have died overseas.
The Irish Mirror had quoted a friend as saying that Mr Roche suffered a heart attack or fell victim to sudden death syndrome, however no official verdict has been delivered on the cause of death.
A heartbroken Ms MacKeogh paid tribute to her fiancée on her Instagram page.
“You made me the happiest I’ve ever been, every second of every day,” said Ms MacKeogh.
"You were the better half of my whole, my best friend, my rock, the most intelligent, handsome, funny and loving person I have ever met!
"I’m never going to stop loving you and I want everyone to know just how amazing you were."
A flood of tributes were paid to Mr Roche, who studied at Rockwell College in Tipperary,Ireland, on his fiancee’s page.
"I am so sorry for your cruel devastating loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you," said Sarah Masterson.
"There are no words. So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you,” said Courtney Smith.
"I'm so sorry Emily, praying for you and sending you love and strength," wrote Rachel Sorohan.
"Words are insufficient right now. You are in my thoughts and prayers now and every spare moment I have I am sending you on healing love," said Debs Leonard.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Day 3, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage, the Sri Lanka pace bowler, has had to play a lot of cricket to earn a shot at the top level. The 29-year-old debutant first played a first-class game 11 years ago. His first Test wicket was one to savour, bowling Pakistan opener Shan Masood through the gate. It set the rot in motion for Pakistan’s batting.
Stat of the day – 73 Haris Sohail took 73 balls to hit a boundary. Which is a peculiar quirk, given the aggressive intent he showed from the off. Pakistan’s batsmen were implored to attack Rangana Herath after their implosion against his left-arm spin in Abu Dhabi. Haris did his best to oblige, smacking the second ball he faced for a huge straight six.
The verdict One year ago, when Pakistan played their first day-night Test at this ground, they held a 222-run lead over West Indies on first innings. The away side still pushed their hosts relatively close on the final night. With the opposite almost exactly the case this time around, Pakistan still have to hope they can salvage a win from somewhere.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
Jebel Ali Dragons 26 Bahrain 23
Dragons
Tries: Hayes, Richards, Cooper
Cons: Love
Pens: Love 3
Bahrain
Tries: Kenny, Crombie, Tantoh
Cons: Phillips
Pens: Phillips 2
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Results
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Plan to boost public schools
A major shake-up of government-run schools was rolled out across the country in 2017. Known as the Emirati School Model, it placed more emphasis on maths and science while also adding practical skills to the curriculum.
It was accompanied by the promise of a Dh5 billion investment, over six years, to pay for state-of-the-art infrastructure improvements.
Aspects of the school model will be extended to international private schools, the education minister has previously suggested.
Recent developments have also included the introduction of moral education - which public and private schools both must teach - along with reform of the exams system and tougher teacher licensing requirements.
