Funeral of popular Derry man who passed away in Downings to take place on Wednesday

The funeral of a Derry man who died after a tragic incident in Donegal will take place on Wednesday.

The body of Stephen (Squirty) O'Connor was discovered in Downings on Sunday evening.

Stephen will be laid to rest on Wednesday, March 12, following Requiem Mass, which takes place at 11 o'clock in St Joseph's Church, Galliagh.

Burial will take place afterwards in the City cemetery. Family time please from 10.00pm to 12noon.

A death notice notice states that Stephen is the 'beloved son of Philomena and the late Neil, loving brother of John, Paul, Sinead and Catherine, brother-in-law of Sean and Colm, much loved uncle of Caomhan, Ben, Erin, Eva and Cillian and a very dear friend.'

Stephen's remains are reposing in his home, 124 Elaghmore Park.

Tributes have been poured in for Stephen.

Writing on the Facebook page, Derry Craic, brother Paul O'Connor described his Stephen as 'the life and soul of a party', who 'always had time for everyone including our nephews and nieces he would have did anything for them'.

Mr O'Connor wrote: "Stephen loved his football going to the odd celtic game when he could as he was celtic through and through, he loved going to the Brandywell to watch Derry City Football Club even going to the away games as well with loads of others, he would go to the Ireland games in Dublin and away in Europe as well."

He added: "I'm going to miss you so much Stephen we had the best times."

Republic of Ireland Supporter's Club: Derry Branch wrote on their social media: "The Club has lost 1 of the best in the Country... you really were 1 in a million Stephen O Connor (Squirty) Ireland games Home and Away will never be the same again. RIP Pal."