A MAN who died in a workplace accident at Dublin Airport was originally from west Belfast.
Richard Gracey (64), who lived in the Balbriggan area of north Dublin, was originally from the Andersonstown area.
A married father-of-five, he worked as an employee for Swissport at Dublin Airport.
It is understood he was working on cargo for an aircraft on the ground at Dublin Airport when the accident happened on Saturday.
It is believed he suffered serious injuries following a fall at around 10.30am. He was taken to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, but later died.
Gardaí, the Health and Safety Authority and Dublin Airport authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident.
A Gardai spokesman said:"A 64-year-old man was taken to Beaumont Hospital with serious injuries following a fall airside, the man was pronounced dead a short time later.
"Investigations are continuing."
Tributes have been paid to Mr Gracey on social media with many describing him as "always a gentleman" and someone who would be missed for "his big smile and northern accent".
The children's cancer charity, Aoibheann's Pink Tie, also paid tribute to Mr Gracey following his dedication to their fundraising events.
"Richard has always worked with us on the annual plane pull for Aoibheann’s Pink Tie," a spokesman said.
"I remember him as a quiet diligent man, always smiling and doing his best to make sure the children were safe and happy.
"The airport is a family, anyone who has ever worked there will tell you that. When we loose one of our family we all feel the pain.
"I hope his family take solace now in knowing that Richard brought a light into a very dark place for children fighting cancer."
Funeral Mass for Mr Gracey is due to take place today at the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Balbriggan at 10am followed by burial in Baldongan Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife Therese and five children Kevin, Nina, Sarah, Aaron and Laura and wider family circle.
