‘One in a Million’: Heartbreaking tribute to Donegal man killed in Perth workplace accident

A “ONE in a million” partner and father who died in a workplace accident in Australia earlier this month will be laid to rest on Friday.

Barry Breslin, originally from Kilcar, Co Donegal, suffered fatal injuries while working on a road at Greenwood in Perth on October 3.

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The death of Barry, affectionately known as Duke, has “devastated” his fiancée Melissa, son Tommy, parents Mary and Seamus, brothers Owen and Shane, his grandmother Mary Ann Byrne and extended family and friends.

The 35-year-old will be holidaying at his family home in Donegal tomorrow from 4pm to 10pm and again on Thursday from 12pm to 10pm.

His funeral will take place on Friday 25 October at 11am at St Chart’s Church, Kilcar, followed by burial in the local cemetery.

Mourners are asked to make a donation to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Fund in lieu of flowers.

More than $820,000 was raised to help Melissa and the couple’s young son Tommy.

The GoFundMe page says Barry has “touched the lives of many.”

It said: “He was always ready for a laugh, whether it was greasing the door handles of an excavator, applying yoghurt as sunscreen or celebrating with family and friends.

“Duke was one in a million. He was a family man at heart and a loyal friend to many around him and will be sadly missed but not forgotten.”

Melissa released a statement to 7News.com in Perth, saying she was “truly grateful” for the outpouring of support.

She said: “I would like to thank everyone for their donations and support during this difficult time – it has been amazing.”

A large number of tributes were paid to Barry in the condolences section of Rip.ie.

One person said: “I’m so sorry you lost such a great man as Barry was.

“My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time, may Barry rip.”

Another said: “Very sorry to read this sad news. There are no words to express how deeply you feel your loss.

“Prayers are said for everyone who knew Barry, our lady, pray for all of Barry’s family.”

One mourner said: “Sincere condolences on the loss of your lovely Barry.

“May you feel the prayers from Australia to Ireland surrounding you at this saddest time.

“May God comfort you all in your great loss.”

Another added: “Barry was a dear friend, he truly was a wonderful friend from the first day my husband met Barry on site, doing what he loved and being excellent at his job.

“Barry was so full of life and spirit on any given day that we will truly cherish every memory we had with him.

“We are truly heartbroken and will miss your smile.”

Donations to the fundraiser can still be made here.