“We can’t believe it was this day last week that we shared in their beautiful wedding.”
Presenter Alan Hughes has paid tribute to his friend Brian O’Callaghan Westropp who died in Greece this week.
Brian was on honeymoon with his new wife Zoe Holohan when he perished in wildfires that took the lives of over 80 people near Athens.
Alan, who was at the couple’s wedding just last week with his husband Karl Broderick, described Brian as a “friendly, warm guy” and a “gentleman” in a post.
“It felt odd to take to social media up to now, but it feels equally odd not to acknowledge and pay tribute to our lovely friend Zoe and her lovely husband Brian, who tragically lost his life in Greece,” he wrote on Facebook.
“A friendly, warm guy, ready with open arms for a bear hug, he was a gentleman. We can’t believe it was this day last week that we shared in their beautiful wedding.
“Our hearts are breaking for Zoe, who’s such a beautiful person… and indeed Brian’s mother, their family and friends.”
Mr O’Callaghan-Westropp went missing on Tuesday night as he and Zoe fled their hotel in the town of Mati, a popular coastal resort near Athens that has been devastated by the fires.
The couple became separated and Brian’s remains were identified the following day.
Ms Holohan was hospitalised with burns but is expected to make a full recovery.
The fires have so far killed 82 and injured many dozens more, as well as devastated a number of towns.
Authorities have said they now believe that the original blaze may have been started deliberately.
“We have serious indications and significant findings of criminal activity concerning arson,” said Public Order Minister Nikos Toskas.
