Heartache as popular Irishman who was expecting third child to be repatriated home to family after tragic death in USA
Damien O'Brien, a married father-of-two young children, was killed after being
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Damien O'Brien sadly passed away after being struck by a car in the US
Credit: RIP.ie
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Damien will be laid to rest on Friday
Credit: GoFundMe
A 21-year-old driver was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Damien, 35, and his wife Michelle were
The deceased man moved to the
He was a member of the Wild Geese
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The company has launched a
Damien has been remembered as "one of a kind" by heartbroken mourners who praised him as a "genuine and hardworking" man.
A notice online said: "Damien is deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving wife, Michelle, adoring sons Oscar and Luke, his parents Patricia and Bernard, parents-in-law, Pat and Patricia O'Connor, sisters Colleen and Róisin, brothers Stephen and Bernard, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, partners, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, colleagues and wide circle of friends."
The Donegal man will repose at the home of his parents in Stoneybatter, Killygordon from 5pm today until 9pm and on Thursday from 1pm until 9pm.
MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN
The Rosary will take place nightly at 9pm with family time on both nights from after the Rosary and on the morning of the funeral.
Damien's Requiem Mass will take place at 12pm on Friday in St Patrick's Church in Killygordon, where Damien was baptised and received his First Communion and Confirmation.
He will be buried afterwards in Cill Mhuire Cemetery in Glenfin.
Damien's burial is strictly private for the O'Brien and O'Connor families only.
Tributes have been pouring in for Damien since his passing earlier this month.
'LIFE IS BEYOND CRUEL'
One mourner said: "Words will never express how much our hearts are broken with Damien's passing. Damien was more than a friend, he, Michelle and the boys were our family.
"Not a day will go by when Damien will not be missed.
"Rest in Peace Damo. You were one of a kind - loyal, smart, funny, and dependable.
"The world is a lesser place for not having you in it. Love and miss you always."
Another added: "I was shocked and saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Damien. I had the great pleasure of knowing DOB on the J1 in Hyannis in 2011.
"Himself and Michelle were the Mammy and Daddy of the group; if there was ever an issue, Damien was the man to get it sorted.
"We definitely called upon him and his colleagues P&P for advice on more than one occasion! He was a really genuine, hardworking and loyal guy. His love for Michelle was so clear for everyone to see. Life is beyond cruel, and I'm so unbelievably heartbroken for you all."
Los Angeles Cougars Gaelic Football Club added: "Our deepest condolences to Michelle, Oscar, Luke and the entire O'Brien and O'Connor families as well as all those connected to the Orange County Wild Geese Club.
"Damien was a great rival on the field and an even greater person off it. He will be forever missed by the whole GAA community in Southern California."
Police officers said Damien was struck by a black Audi RS5 in the Huntington Beach area.
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