Tributes paid to Irish man who was murdered in London

There has been an outpouring of grief in Donore, Co Meath, following the murder of a man from the area in London last weekend.

Locals paid tribute to John Martin (41), describing him as a "caring person" who had donated a kidney to a woman he had never met following an appeal.

London Metropolitan Police have confirmed that Mr Martin, who was living in the Kingsbury area of the city, received fatal injuries during an attack on Sunday.

Darryn Madigan (38), who is believed to have been a neighbour of Mr Martin, has been charged with his murder and is due to appear before a sitting of the Old Bailey on Wednesday.

The attack occurred just days before the victim’s 42nd birthday.

His parents, Noel and Mary Martin, are part of a well-known GAA family in Donore. Noel Martin is a respected referee with more than 25-years' service in Co Meath.

A statement by their local GAA club, St Mary’s GFC, read: “St Mary’s GFC would like to express their deepest sympathy to Noel and Mary Martin and their family on the very tragic and untimely death of their son John.

“It has been a very tough few days for the family and the club offers its support in any way it can to the family at this difficult time.”

John Martin represented the club at underage level before moving to London some time ago.

Shock

The local community of Donore is said to be in shock following news of the incident.

Meath councillor Sharon Keogan said people in the area were supporting the Martin family.

“It’s a terrible time now for Noel, Mary and his family. Donore is a very close-knit community and I have no doubt they will be rallying around to provide comfort for the Martin family.

“He had given away one of his kidneys. It just shows the type of individual John was, a very caring person,” she said.