Tributes paid to Tipperary man who died following drowning in Portugal

Oleksandr Kurinnyy.

Tributes are being paid to an Irishman who died following a drowning tragedy in Portugal.

Oleksandr Kurinnyy, 44, who was known locally as Alex, drowned while on holiday on the Portuguese island of Madeira off the coast of Africa on Saturday, November 1. 

He was living with his family at Ballycurrane, Thurles, Co Tipperary and had also lived in Tullamore in Co Offaly. His family are originally from Eastern Europe.

Alex had been working at the Dew Valley Foods factory for more than 10 years where he worked as a general operative in the meat factory. His family have been living in Thurles for longer.

Paying tribute, one work colleague said: "Sincere sympathies to Svitlana, Vlana, and all of Oleksandr’s family on their sudden and sad loss. It was a pleasure to have known and worked with Oleksandr for several years. Thoughts with you all at this difficult time."

DAPA Dance club in Thurles, which was attended by his daughte,r said: "Everyone at DAPA was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Oleksandr…our thoughts and prayers are with Lana, Vlada, and all his family and friends at this extremely sad time." 

Local Fianna Fáil TD Ryan O'Meara also "extended sympathy to the family at this very sad time".

Mr Kurinnyy is predeceased by his mother Nadia (Kurinna) and is survived by his wife Lana, daughter Vlana, brother Oleksii, colleagues in Dew Valley Foods, neighbours and many friends.

No funeral arrangements have been made as yet. It is understood that the Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to the family.