Tributes paid to 'wonderful' Irishman John Bergin who died in hiking accident in Sardinia
A search operation was launched for Kilkenny man John Bergin after he failed to return from a hike on the mining trail between Masua and Cala Domestica
Tributes have poured in for a 39-year-old Irish man who sadly lost his life following a hiking accident in Sardinia on Friday.
An intensive search operation involving drones equipped with thermal imaging and helicopters was called for Kilkenny man John Bergin on Friday after he was reported missing when he failed to return from a hike on the Italian island.
John had been hiking on the Santa Barbara mining trail between Masua and Cala Domestica, according to the Sardinian newspaper L’Unione Sarda.
READ MORE: Irish man found dead in Portugal prison cell after arrest over alleged assault
READ MORE: 'A terrible loss' - Tributes flow for 'true gentleman' killed in Kerry farming tragedy
It is understood John had been holidaying on the island with members of his family and had been hiking with his brothers shortly before he disappeared.
The search operation was called off after John’s body was discovered on the side of the Canale di sa Rocca Niedda. The Irishman's body was then brought to the hamlet of Masua, where it was handed over to local police.
John will be missed by his brothers and sisters, alongside his many extended family members including his sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces, uncles, and cousins.
John will also be dearly remembered by his work colleagues in Fingal County Council, in Dublin, the Local Government Management Agency and his huge circle of friends and neighbours.
John will be cremated and a private cremation service will be held in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy on Friday, September 13, in keeping with John’s wishes.
A requiem mass in celebration of John’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 17 at 11am in St. Canice's Church, Dean St, Kilkenny after which his ashes will be laid to rest with his parents at St. Kieran's Cemetery.
Tributes have poured in far and wide for John, who has been described as a ‘lovely person’ and a ‘great man to have a chat with’.
“I would like to offer my sincere condolences to John's family during this difficult time. It was an absolute pleasure to work with John in Malahide library,” one person said.
“A wonderful colleague and very dear friend. I highly admired and respected John. He spoke so passionately about the projects he was working on and the future of libraries.”
Another penned: “Deepest condolences to all the Bergin family. John was a lovely person and a great man to have a chat with. Thinking of you all during this very difficult time.”
A third added: “Spent many happy hours talking to Butch about music, literature and the oddities of human behaviour. Always enjoyed his eccentricity and unusual takes on life. I was so sad to hear the news. My condolences to his family.”
One more wrote: “I’m sure I met this wonderful man somewhere. I did know his late great dad a pure gent and knew Pascal, Bergin family one great kind decent family. Bless you, John”.
Sign up to the Irish Mirror's daily newsletter here and get breaking news and top stories direct to your inbox.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
