'Kind-hearted' Dublin dad dies days after wedding as tributes pour in
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A Dublin has been plunged into grief as locals pay their respects to a young father who sadly lost his battle with cancer just days after getting married
Dean Dunphy, a van driver from Ballyfermot, faced a heartrending diagnosis of stage four brain cancer, specifically glioblastoma, in August 2023 following signs similar to that of a stroke coupled with muscle spasms. Dean, 34, sadly died at Beaumont Hospital on Wednesday (May 21), just three short days after exchanging vows with his soul mate, Michaela, in an intimate and heartfelt ceremony surrounded by family and friends at Opium in the city centre.
Little did the newlyweds know, behind the scenes, kind-hearted relatives had set up a €40,000 fundraising effort to help cover the wedding and healthcare costs, as the couple faced hardships with employment. Notably, esteemed professional fighter Conor McGregor stepped in, contributing a generous donation of €10,000 towards their plight, reports the Irish Mirror.
Michaela and Dean's romance began in 2011 when he stumbled upon her Facebook profile and took a leap by adding her as a friend Their online relationship blossomed into real life as they agreed to meet at a party in March, paving the way for a deepening bond which saw them welcome their daughter Sloane into the world in 2021.
Childhood ailments plagued Dean with persistent headaches and migraines but were brushed off by medics as "common". However, come June 2023, alarming muscle twitches began occurring out of the blue – even as Dean was navigating the motorway during work duties.
(Image: Family handout/PA Real Life)
Dean told Michaela that he felt like he had "no control of his body", prompting her to swiftly get him to their local A&E, followed by a transfer to another hospital. Initially, it was thought Dean might have Bell's palsy as it triggers paralysis or weakness on one side of the face, but this was ruled out after blood tests, scans, and examinations.
Then, in July, the situation took a turn when Michaela got a call from the hospital revealing "they had found something on his brain". On August 24, 2023, which coincided with Michaela's 30th birthday, Dean underwent open brain surgery. The seven-hour operation proceeded smoothly as medics removed some tissue for biopsy.
However, the following week brought heartache when the doctors delivered the devastating news that Dean had stage 4 brain cancer, more precisely glioblastoma. Not long after, Dean faced another surgical procedure to eliminate additional "active" cancerous tissue from his brain. Post-surgery, Dean embarked on chemotherapy and radiotherapy and, in August 2024, they managed to squeeze in a family getaway to Spain with the doctors' approval.
Their holiday was cut short due to Dean's rapidly worsening condition, forcing them to dash back as his symptoms escalated "from zero to 100". Back home, medical staff detected brain swelling and commenced a more aggressive chemotherapy regimen along with a "blocker treatment" to stall the tumour's growth.
Dean persevered with treatments to keep his symptoms at bay while regularly attending three-month check-ups as he and Michaela forged ahead with their wedding plans. The couple tied the knot in an emotional ceremony just days before Dean tragically passed away, leaving behind a heartbroken family and circle of friends.
The father-of-one died 'peacefully in the arms of his wife Michaela and surrounded by his loving family at Beaumont Hospital', as stated in a heart-wrenching death notice on RIP.ie. Touching tributes have been flooding in for the beloved lad, hailed as "one of life's absolute gentlemen", remembered for his laughter and kindness which deeply impacted many.
In an online post, a friend of Dean's wrote: "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 and thin for years and he will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to his wife, daughter and extended family."
A family friend also took a moment to express gratitude towards those who supported the GoFundMe campaign set up for Dean's family, writing: "Several weeks ago, a GoFundMe was launched for Dean Dunphy and his family.
"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 pal 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."
While another 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."
Dean will be reposing at his Cherry Orchard home 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.
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