Sligo man who was shot dead in Australia had a heart for everybody, funeral Mass hears – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

Sligo man who was shot dead in Australia had a heart for everybody, funeral Mass hears




Image source: RTE

A Sligo man who was allegedly killed by his girlfriend’s father in Australia was described as having a big heart by everyone at his funeral today.

Damian Conlon (38), who grew up in the Fort Hill area of Sligo but had lived in Australia since 2011, was shot and killed in New South Wales in February.

Luke Simon (57) – the father of Damian’s devoted companion Linda – was arrested at the scene and charged with murder, reports Sunday World.

Damien and Linda were engaged and plan to marry later this year.

The couple shared two sons together, Mason (two) and 11-month-old Elias, and Damien had also been stepfather to Linda’s children from her previous relationship, Brody and Joseph.

Damien moved to Australia 12 years ago and was granted Australian citizenship in 2021.

The local parish priest, Father Pat Lombard, told how Damien loved to laugh and enjoyed being in Australia with his family.

“Damien was a joker, everyone knew that,” Fr Lombard said. “He loved to laugh. We had a few laughs last night,” reports Sunday World.

Damian, who was a carpenter by profession, initially went to Australia on a one-year Working Holiday visa before deciding to stay. He later set up a large quarrying business in Kelso in New South Wales.

Fr Lombard added: “Damien had gone to Australia in the wake of the recession here in Ireland. A carpenter and a very hard worker, he was doing so well in business. Australia was home because of you Linda and the boys,” reports Sunday World.

Linda first describes Damian’s death as “senseless and violent” and explains her devastation that they will not be able to marry and live a long, happy life together.

We had deposits paid on the venue, the church and everything, but unfortunately that will never be. That is the hardest part, all the plans we had for the future and watching our children growing up without him. We just take it day by day now, that is all we can do,” she told the Irish Sunday Mirror, reports Sunday World.

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