Tonight, family, friends and colleagues of an Irish student Dean MacCearain are grieving his loss.
As is Panti Bliss - who had the honour of meeting Dean when the young student took part in one of the most historic days in Irish history.
The former president of NUI Maynooth’s Pride Society starred in a scene in Panti’s documentary film, capturing the moments in Dublin Castle when Ireland made marriage equal for all its citizens.
Producers for ‘The Queen of Ireland’ contacted the young man to request his permission to use his image – and Dean was more than happy to oblige to help spread the important message of equality.
Panti learned today of the passing of Dean, and decided to make a tribute to her colleague on her official Facebook page.
In an emotional message addressing followers, as well as friends of the deceased, Panti wrote:
