Tributes paid to 'kind-hearted' Dublin dad who died days after getting married
Dean Dunphy, a van driver from Ballyfermot, was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer, specifically glioblastoma, in August 2023 after experiencing stroke-like symptoms and muscle twitching.
Tragically, Dean passed away at Beaumont Hospital on Wednesday (May 21). Just three days before he passed away, Dean married the love of his life, Michaela, in a beautiful ceremony in front of their friends and family at Opium in Dublin.
Unbeknownst to the couple until recently, family members had launched a €40,000 fundraiser to pay for the ceremony and medical bills as they were unable to work, with professional fighter Conor McGregor donating €10,000 to the cause.
Michaela and Dean's paths first crossed in 2011 when Dean saw her profile on Facebook and added her as a friend.
After messaging for several weeks, the pair arranged to meet in person at a party in March that year. Their relationship went from strength to strength, with the couple welcoming their daughter Sloane in 2021.
Dean had suffered with headaches and migraines ever since he was a child, but doctors said this was "common". Then in June 2023, he started experiencing sudden muscle twitching – and this even happened while driving on the motorway for work.
Dean told Michaela it felt like he had "no control of his body" and she therefore rushed him to their local A&E department, followed by another hospital.
It was suspected Dean might have Bell's palsy, which causes paralysis or weakness on one side of the face, but blood tests, scans and examinations confirmed this was not the case.
Weeks later, in July, Michaela received a phone call from the hospital to say "they had found something on his brain".
Dean underwent open brain surgery on August 24, 2023, Michaela's 30th birthday. The seven-hour procedure went well, with surgeons able to remove the tissue for further testing.
However, one week later, doctors called to say "it's not good news" as Dean had stage 4 brain cancer, specifically glioblastoma.
Two weeks later, Dean underwent a second surgery to remove the other 'active' cancerous tissue around the brain. He then started chemotherapy and radiotherapy and, in August 2024, during a recovery period, they decided to go on a family holiday to Spain with doctors' approval.
However, they had to rush home just days later as Dean's symptoms went from "zero to 100".
Doctors then discovered swelling in his brain, and he started having more chemotherapy and a "blocker treatment" to prevent the tumour from increasing in size.
Dean continued with treatment to manage his symptoms and underwent check-ups every three months as he and Michaela continued planning for their wedding.
The couple tied the knot in Dublin on Sunday, just three days before the young father-of-one passed away 'peacefully in the arms of his wife Michaela and surrounded by his loving family at Beaumont Hospital', according to a death notice shared in RIP.ie.
Tributes have poured in for the popular young man, who has been remembered as "one of life's absolute gentlemen" whose "laughter, kindness, and indomitable spirit touched countless lives".
In a message shared online, a close friend of Dean's said: "Earlier today the sad news broke of the very untimely passing of one of life's absolute gentlemen.
"At times words can express the extreme sadness felt by so many at the passing of one so highly regarded by all that knew and loved them but on this occasion I know I can sincerely say that no words can convey the sadness of each and every human being that knew Dean Dunphy myself included.
"What I can say is that this is one gentleman I am proud and privileged to have known and work along side through thick & thin for years and he will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to his wife, daughter and extended family."
A family friend paid tribute to Dean as he thanked those who had donated to the fundraising campaign.
"Several weeks ago, a GoFundMe was launched for Dean Dunphy and his family," he wrote
"Thanks to your overwhelming generosity, Dean and his childhood sweetheart, Michaela, were able to exchange vows in a wedding ceremony, even though cancer cast a heavy shadow over their day.
"Tragically, just three days later, Dean passed away peacefully in his sleep. Dean was a devoted husband, a radiant father to his beloved three-year-old daughter, and a cherished friend whose laughter, kindness, and indomitable spirit touched countless lives.
"His courage inspired us all to hold our loved ones closer and to embrace each moment fully. On behalf of everyone, I extend my deepest condolences to Michaela, their daughter, his mother Louise and the entire Dunphy family following this heartbreaking news."
Another mourner said: "Deano was such a gent and always a pleasure to be around growing up, kindhearted soul that embodied the spirit of a ballyer man - R.I.P deano."
While another person added: "Deano was such a gent and always a pleasure to be around growing up, kindhearted soul that embodied the spirit of a ballyer man - R.I.P deano."
This is the second tragedy to hit the Dunphy family within a matter of weeks as Dean's aunt Carol passed away unexpectedly on May 9.
Dean will be reposing at his home in Cherry Orchard from 4pm to 6pm on Friday, with removal on Saturday morning to The Church of The Most Holy Sacrament, Cherry Orchard arriving for 10.30am Funeral Mass followed by a Cremation in Mount Jerome Crematorium at 12.45pm.
For those who wish to view Dean's Funeral Mass live, you can do so by clicking on the link here.
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