Funeral service to be held for Irishman who died just hours after starting new life in Dubai

Killian Roche, 32, had moved to Dubai with his fiancée to take up a new job

Killian Roche had moved to Dubai with his fiancee Emily MacKeogh. 

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.