The partner of a young man who died after an assault in Co Tyrone last week has said he had made her “the happiest girl in the world” in their time together.
Tributes were paid to Kyle McDermott at his funeral on Sunday in his hometown of Burt, Co Donegal.
The 24-year-old passed away last week following an assault in Ballymagorry, where he had moved to.
Kyle’s partner, Chloe McGonagle, said: “Kyle, you were my soulmate and my best friend in the world.
“No time in the world would have ever felt like enough together and no words could describe the love we had for each other. You made me the happiest girl in the world and I hope I made you just as happy.
“You made every day brighter just by being in it with your infectious smile and hilarious sense of humour. There wasn’t a day you didn’t have me laughing.”
Kyle drove a digger on a construction site, a lifelong passion, and had plans to start his own business.
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Chief Celebrant at St Aengus’ Church in Burt, Fr Paddy Baker, said Kyle and Chloe had met in Liverpool “and from that day on, they never left each other’s side”.
“It’s been a sad number of days for the McDermott family and indeed for the bigger family here in the parish of Burt,” he said. “Because we are so devastated by the loss of Kyle’s life, the way he died so suddenly and tragically.
“As you and I know, Kyle was one of most purest, kindest, gentlest souls you could ever deserve to meet.
“From the day he was born he always had a big, infectious smile on his face. He lit up every room he went into. He had a heart of gold and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
“Kyle’s passion in life since he could walk was to drive a digger and he’s one of the best digger drivers around here I’m told, with a talent no one could match.
“His dream was to own his own business and he was going to call it K-Mac Construction.”
Kyle was buried with a miniature digger to reflect his love for his work as a digger driver.
Chloe said: “I hope you are driving the best rubber duck up there and K-Mac Construction is thriving.
“Thank you for always looking after me, being there for me through thick and thin, being my biggest supporter and showing me what unconditional love feels like.
“We had so many plans for our future together and had our whole lives ahead of us but your gentle soul was too precious for this world and all I can do now is try and make you proud.
“I will cherish the memories we made together forever and I know everyone will. Please watch over us all until we meet again, rest now in paradise my angel, love, your girl, Chloe.”
Kyle’s cousin Christopher also spoke at the service. “We as a family are heartbroken at the loss of our beautiful Kyle,” he said. “There will never be a day that passes where he is not in our hearts and in our minds.”
Detectives at the scene. Photo: Pacemaker
Kyle died in Altnagelvin Area Hospital the morning after a “callous and brutal” assault outside his home in Ballymagorry.
Police launched an investigation and made an appeal for assistance, seeking to speak to the occupants of a blue car that was in the area at the time.
Daniel Patrick Hanna (24) was arrested and subsequently charged with manslaughter. He appeared in Dungannon Magistrates Court charged with unlawfully killing Mr McDermott on Wednesday, October 9.
Mr Hanna, whose address was listed as Victoria Road in Strabane, is scheduled to make his court appearance via video link on October 31.