Shock and sadness at death of Cornafean man (27) in Perth

The close-knit community of Cornafean and surrounding areas are in shock and mourning following the sudden death of local man Richard Keith (27) in Perth, Western Australia, over the weekend.
Authorities in Australia believe Mr Keith died of a suspected massive heart attack, though a full post-mortem examination is expected to take place to determine the exact cause of death in the coming days.
A former student of Cavan Vocational School and a graduate from Dublin Institute of Technology, Mr Keith has been living and working in Perth since 2012 where he was involved in construction.
It has been reported he collapsed at his home last Sunday afternoon, while with friends. He was subsequently rushed to hospital where medics there battled to save his life but he passed away a short time later.
Having spent Christmas at home, Mr Keith left to go back to Perth on New Year’s Eve, however he had told friends and family he harboured hopes of returning to Ireland, perhaps for good, in the not too distant future.
The Department of Foreign Affairs informed The Anglo-Celt they have been providing consular assistance to Mr Keith’s family, and work has begun on repatriating the young man’s body back to Ireland, a process which could take several days.
An ardent fan of GAA, who played for the local Cornafean team at various underage levels, and a fitness enthusiast, the outpouring of grief among those who knew Mr Keith has spilled over onto social media in recent days with people fondly remembering his friendly and fun-loving personality.
Chairperson of ‘The Reds’ Packie Joe McGlade said the “thoughts and prayers” of everyone is with the Keith family; while Fine Gael Cllr Winston Bennett, who proposed that Cavan County Council pass a vote of sympathy in memory of the deceased at their meeting on Monday, told the Celt the local community is coping with their grief at this time.
“Where it’s hard that any young person dies, at home here, it’s all the more difficult for families when the person is away as Richard was.
“Everyone is shocked. He was a bright young fella, hard working and very well liked. It’s a terrible tragedy for his family, the community, and his friends here in Ireland and in Australia to come to terms with.”
Very Rev Raymond Ferguson at the Cathedral Church of St Fethlimidh in Kilmore also expressed his deepest sympathy with the family of Mr Keith, saying: “We can only offer all the love and sympathy of the parish and the parishioners to his parents and family at this very sad time.”