Tributes are pouring in for a young university student described as a "true gentleman" following his tragic death.
Michael 'Mikey' Hynes passed away at his home in Whitegate, Co Clare on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old was a fourth year business student at the University of Limerick and had played GAA with his local club in Whitegate.
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UL President Prof Kerstin Mey shared an email confirming the sad news with the university community on Wednesday, as the Limerick Leader reports.
"I am so very sad to inform you of the sudden and tragic death of UL student Michael Hynes, Whitegate, Co Clare who was a year four Bachelor of Business Studies student," she said.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael’s parents Declan and Annette and his sisters Katie, Alison and Corinna. Our sympathies also go to Michael’s BBS classmates and to his UL and Whitegate GAA teammates along with all of his wide circle of family and friends."
Tributes are being paid to the young man, who is remembered as an "intelligent and kind boy" who was "a credit to his parents".
Mountshannon Community Council said: "We offer our deepest sympathy to Annette, Declan, Katie, Alison, Corinna, Theresa, extended family and friends on the sad passing of Michael. Suaimhneas síoraí d’anam milis Mhichíl."
Whitegate Camogie Club added: "Whitegate Camogie Club wish to extend our heartfelt sympathies to Declan, Annette, Katie, Ali, Corinna and all the Hynes and Kerrigan family on the sudden passing of Michael. Our hearts are heavy with sympathy. May he rest in peace with the angels."
A classmate said: "Heartbreaking to hear of the passing of Michael. My sincere condolences to his family at this tragic time. I’m really sorry for yer loss. Michael will be heavily missed by all his fellow students in ul."
While one person wrote: "Annette, Declan and girls. I am so sorry for your loss of your beautiful, intelligent and kind boy. Our deepest condolences and love to you at this most heart breaking time and our thoughts are with you all as you grieve."
A second said: "Mikey will be sorely missed by anyone who knew him but especially by his lovely friends and adoring family. Sincere sympathy to you all at this tragic time. May his gentle soul be at peace."
A third wrote: "Our deepest sympathy to the Hynes family over the sad sad loss of Michael. He was such a lovely young man and he will be truly missed by everyone that knew him."
A fourth said: "Sincere sympathy to family, friends and community of Whitegate on the passing of Michael. I had the pleasure of teaching Michael and getting to know him during my time in Scariff. He was a great young man and he will be dearly missed. He had a great smile and nature. May he rest in peace. Thinking of you all during this difficult time."
And a fifth added: "Deepest sympthay to Annette ,Declan Treasa and all the family .Rest in peace Michael you were a true gentleman, so caring ,a credit to your parents."
Michael will be laid to rest following a funeral Mass at St Flannan's Church in Whitegate at 1pm on Sunday.
A notice on RIP.ie says that he will be "deeply missed by his heartbroken, loving family, parents Declan and Annette, sisters Katie, Alison and Corinna, his granny Teresa (Hynes), aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and his beautiful bunch of friends".
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