Tributes paid to swine flu victim

Ireland’s first swine flu victim was today described as a courageous and determined young woman with a zest for life.

Darina Calpin was suffering from cystic fibrosis when she contracted the deadly bug.

The 18-year-old, from Templeboy, Co Sligo, was admitted to hospital on Monday, diagnosed and immediately put into an isolation ward where she died on Friday afternoon.

In a statement her distraught family paid tribute to a beautiful lady who loved music.

“The Calpin family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of a beloved daughter and sister,” they said.

“Darina was a beautiful lady with a zest for life. She was courageous and determined.

“She had a great talent for and love of music and she enjoyed life with her family and friends.

“The family are grateful for the support, love and prayers of their wider family, friends and their local community in Sligo.”

Health Minister Mary Harney and the country’s top health officials extended sympathies to the family of Ms Calpin, who died in Tallaght Hospital, south Dublin.

She had contracted the illness in the community.

The Calpin family, who appealed for privacy, said they were also grateful to the staff of Tallaght Hospital for the care they gave Darina.

Hospital management have said there are no concerns that any staff member was at increased risk from swine flu following the death.

Health officials said around 1,400 new cases of swine flu are emerging every week, with 70% involving people under the age of 30, and warned there will be more deaths from swine flu.

The majority of patients are also believed to have contracted the virus in Ireland.

To date some 27 people in Ireland have been admitted to hospital with the virus.

Elsewhere an Irish language college in Donegal had temporarily closed after an outbreak of swine flu among students.

Six teenagers from the North are recovering at home after contracting the bug at Colaiste Mhuire Loch an Iuir.

The teenagers, believed to be from different schools across the North, were part of a group of 300 at the college.

It is understood a decision was taken to close the college for seven days after another five students were suspected of having the virus.

Teacher Daithi O’Muiri said staff were handling the situation in a very responsible and safe way.

“We are following the guidelines and advise that has been given to us by the medical and public health authorities in north west Donegal,” said Mr O’Muiri.

More than 80 cases of swine flu have now been confirmed in the North.

Although there have still been no deaths, a part-time soldier from Coleraine died after contracting the virus during a summer camp in the south of England with the Territorial Army.

Lee Porter, who was buried in his hometown today, had no underlying health problem and completed a full Army medical in May of this year.

The 30-year-old was described as the rock of the family by his heartbroken parents Ross and Esther, and younger brother Jason.

They said Bombardier Porter, a firefighter in Coleraine with Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, was a man who understood the meaning of the word ’service’ and contributed so much to the nation.

“The devastation of loosing Lee has greatly affected the entire family circle and friends,” said his parents.

“Lee had time for everyone around him and took great interest in all of us. He was big hearted and witty with a caring nature.

“He was very sensitive to the needs of others, was compassionate, generous and a true friend to all.

“We have not only lost a son, a brother and a friend but the rock of our family.”