The Donegal community of Belcruit has been left in shock by the passing of Pauric Bonner who lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday.
The young man passed away in Letterkenny University Hospital two years after first falling ill in September 2020 when he was just 19.
Pauric, 21, underwent major surgery and spent 18 months travelling back and forth from his west Donegal home to Dublin for treatment.
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The people of Belcruit had previously rallied to help him seek treatment for his disease abroad.
A GoFundMe page raised €43,000 so he could undergo further treatment in America.
As part of the campaign, a Facebook page was set up where groups and clubs came together to offer their help.
Donegal native and country music megastar and native Daniel O'Donnell even offered his support.
He organised a Night of Inspirational Music in Dungloe.
After the news broke of Pauric's tragic passing, tributes to the young man poured in.
Mullachdubh Community Centre said: “Very sad news today of the passing of our young neighbour from Belcruit Pauric Bonner.
“Condolences from the Mullachdubh community to John and the Bonner family, the extended family, aunts, uncles, cousins and all his friends.
“May Pauric rest in peace.”
The Rosses Relayholics, a local organisation that works to awareness and funds for the Relay for Life campaign and the Irish Cancer Society said the news had left them with “a heavy heart.”
They wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that we head to Letterkenny this weekend to participate in the Relay for Life Donegal.
“The passing of our friend and neighbour Pauric Bonner from Belcruit has impacted us all.
“Our condolences to his father John, sisters Lorraine and Jenny, brothers Johnny and Adi and to all his extended family and friends.
"May you rest in peace in the arms of the Angels Pauric.
“We will continue to fight this terrible disease.”
A close friend and cousin of Pauric said she “couldn't be more heartbroken.”
She continued: “I’ve had the best memories over all the years and I know you'’ll be watching over us. I’ll love you forever, Pauric.”
Pauric’s Funeral Mass is due to take place on Friday at 12pm in St Mary’s Church Kincasslagh with burial in Belcruit Cemetery.
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