The lifeless body of Derek Byrne, who also used his mother’s maiden name Kearney, was unearthed on a chilly Friday morning in late September at the Panda recycling hub in Ballymount, a district in the southwestern part of Dublin. The discovery was made by facility workers at approximately 6:45 AM of September 27th. Apparently, Byrne’s body had been transported to the recycling unit from the central city area by a waste collection vehicle.
At the time of his passing, Byrne was 37 years old and was living on the streets. Inquiries regarding his death conducted by the Gardai department are still in progress with a detailed report being compiled for the coroner. As of now, the details surrounding the cause of his death are yet to be revealed.
Insight into how Byrne may have landed in such a predicament was provided by those familiar with him. Eddie Hutton, a colleague from the Light House café on Dublin’s Pearse Street, speculates that Byrne, having no place to sleep and battling the cold, sought refuge in a bin considering it the safest choice. He had made the acquaintance of Hutton at the café managed by homeless-aid society Tiglin when he had relocated to the Dublin 5 region from Finglas during the early 2000s.
Hutton remembers both men bonding over their shared interest in horses. Hutton narrates that Byrne had a deep fondness for horses, recalling moments when his younger brother and Byrne would ride the horses in Kilbarrack, akin to a means of distraction. Sadly, both of them fell into the pit of drug abuse in the late 2000s, with scarce means for young men to deter away from the prominent crimes and drug dealing in the locality, according to Hutton.
Those close to Byrne depict him as a large-hearted and giving individual whose later years were overshadowed by a battle with addiction.
Byrne’s life journey involved some time spent in prison, often as a result of minor theft-related infringements born from his addiction, say those who were acquainted with him. Without being detained, he found himself without a home, frequently swapping between hostels and homeless shelters.
Hutton described Byrne as a charming, young man who was warm and affable, always looking out for others. However, when he fell upon difficult times, according to Hutton, society seemed to turn its back on him due to the stigma attached to drug addiction and homelessness.
Hutton himself had wrestled with drug addiction, spent time incarcerated alongside Byrne and has fortunately managed to conquer his addiction. He now holds a full-time job at Tiglin. Without adequate support, Hutton recalls Byrne’s situation becoming increasingly challenging.
Alan Kiernan, Byrne’s friend from childhood in Finglas who also served a brief term in prison with him, recalls Byrne had his fair share of troubles. However, he remembers Byrne as having a good heart. According to Kiernan, who works in deliveries at the Light House, saw him last about a month or so before his demise. He tried to offer help but emphasized the importance of wanting the help.
Byrne lost his girlfriend Tracey Pepper, a native of Ballymun, to death in October 2020. Kiernan mentioned that Byrne constantly spoke about her and following her demise, Byrne’s life spiralled downwards. He deeply missed his girlfriend, says Kiernan.
Recently, Byrne was reflecting on confronting his addictions. Hutton considers him dexterous, mentioning his work experience with cars and how Byrne always mentioned wanting his own vehicle.
Byrne’s family had also made efforts to support him in his battle against his addiction, although they chose to refuse an interview request when contacted during the writing of this article, Hutton adds.
Hutton, along with others at the Light House, advocated for Byrne to attend meetings for addiction support or to think about moving into a residential facility. The stark reality of being homeless in the urban centre often muddies efforts to overcome addiction. Hutton characterises Byrne’s situation as becoming “consumed by homelessness”.
“It often leads to you indebted on the streets because you regard these individuals as companions, despite them merely being drug suppliers to you, so they can receive money. Amidst this, there’s always a sense of paranoia,” explained Hutton.
Byrne was last seen by Hutton a week before his untimely passing. “The whole situation is truly heartbreaking,” he admitted.
Byrne’s funeral took place early this month at Glasnevin Crematorium. He is mourned by his mother, two siblings and wider family. It’s noted in his obituary that Byrne was sadly outlived by his baby daughter, Cara.