The heartbroken partner of David O’Callaghan, who was found dead in Boyle today, has paid a moving tribute to him this evening – saying: “I will always carry you in my heart.”
The 21-year-old Dublin native, who lived in Mohill, vanished from St Joseph’s Church car park in Boyle last Saturday evening and his body was found nearby earlier today, after a mammoth search involving gardai, the civil defence and family and friends.
Leanne Lupton said tonight: “My heart is shattered as I share that my partner David O’Callaghan has passed away.
“He wasn’t just the happiest person in the room – he was the room’s light. Wherever he went, laughter followed. He carried a warmth that wrapped itself around everyone he met, a rare kind of spirit that made strangers feel like friends and friends feel like family.
“People didn’t just love him – they were drawn to him, to his kindness, his joy, his way of lifting others higher without ever asking for anything in return.
“And I was the lucky one who got to stand beside him, to love him, and to be loved by him.
“To me, he was everything my heart, my safe place, my baby, my whole world, my greatest blessing.
“Losing him has left a hole nothing could ever fill, but I will hold on to every smile, every memory, every moment of love we shared.
“You were like a big brother to my brothers and I’ll be forever grateful they got to know a wonderful man like you.
“I will always carry you in my heart.
“You’ve helped me through the hardest part of my life and I will continue to go strong for you my baby always and forever.
“He was loved by everyone, and he always will be. His light will never go out.
“Rest peacefully, my baby. You will forever be the brightest part of me. 
“You will always be my baby no matter what and I will always be yours.”