CO. KILKENNY, Ireland — A tight-knit community in Mooncoin is grappling with the heartbreaking loss of one of its own after Kyle Comerford, a 25-year-old teacher described as “warm, friendly, and kind,” passed away in Dubai last week following a swift and courageous battle with an aggressive form of blood cancer.
Comerford, a native of Roseleigh in Mooncoin, died on Wednesday, January 7, at Al-Zahra Hospital in Dubai, where he had been living and working as a Business and Economics teacher at the Ambassador International Academy for the past 18 months.
His journey took a devastating turn just weeks after he began his new life abroad. Having moved to the UAE in August 2024, Comerford received a shocking Stage 4 blood cancer diagnosis in December. Despite the grim prognosis, friends and family say he faced his illness with unwavering positivity and concern for others.
“Even while going through his own brutal treatment, he kept in touch and sent supportive messages to my daughter while she recovered from an illness,” shared a family friend in a tribute. “His positivity knew no bounds. He was an inspiration.”
Kyle Comerford was an avid athlete, a dedicated runner who had completed over 130 parkruns. He was also a talented martial artist. Colleagues and former students in Dubai have flooded social media with condolences, remembering him as a passionate educator who brought energy and care to his classroom.
“Deepest condolences… He was an inspirational, positive person,” wrote another mourner. “It was a pleasure to know him.”
He is survived by his heartbroken wife, Eva, his parents Paul and Martina, sister Shania, and a wide circle of family and friends both in Ireland and the UAE.
Kyle Comerford’s remains are expected to be repatriated to Ireland in the coming days. Funeral arrangements will be announced once details are finalized. As Mooncoin prepares to welcome home a son gone far too soon, his legacy is remembered not for the illness he fought, but for the inspiring grace and kindness with which he lived.