Kyle Andrew Comerford, 31, from Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny, passed away in Dubai last week following a brave battle with stage 4 blood cancer
Kyle Comerford(Image: )
Heartfelt tributes have poured in for a “warm, friendly and kind” young Irish teacher who died in the United Arab Emirates last week after a courageous battle with illness.
Kyle Andrew Comerford, 31, from Roseleigh in Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny, died on Wednesday, January 7, at Al-Zahra Hospital in Dubai, where he had been living and teaching for the previous 18 months.
A death notice posted on RIP.ie described Kyle as the “beloved husband of Eva,” who “will be deeply missed by his heartbroken wife, parents Paul and Martina, sister Shania, parents-in-law John and Helen, uncles, aunts, many cousins, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends”.
Kyle relocated to Dubai for employment in August 2024 but in December of that year he was given the devastating diagnosis of Stage 4 blood cancer. The young teacher was a committed runner who had clocked up more than 130 parkruns prior to receiving the life-altering diagnosis, reports the Irish Mirror.
Last May, Kyle wrote an article in which he discussed the positive impact being part of the parkrun community had on his life. “Despite everything, parkrun has remained a huge source of strength and positivity for me,” he wrote at the time.
“Since my diagnosis, I have found an outlet through volunteering at parkrun every week, which has given me something to look forward to and helped me stay connected to the incredible parkrun community. To me, parkrun is more than just a run or a walk – it’s a lifeline. It’s where I’ve made friends, found support, and now, even in the most difficult chapter of my life, it continues to be something I cherish.
“Parkrun has changed my life – not just in terms of physical health, but emotionally and socially too. It’s taught me resilience, connection, and the value of community.”
Heartfelt tributes have been flooding in for the well-liked teacher, who taught Business and Economics at the Ambassador International Academy in Dubai. Friends, colleagues and former students have hailed him as ‘an inspiration’ for his courageous battle against his devastating illness. One mourner wrote: “So sorry for your loss. Kyle was an amazing and inspiring young man, while going through his treatment he kept in touch and sent supportive messages to my daughter while she recovered. His positivity knew no bounds. He will be missed.”
Another added: “Deepest condolences to Eva, and the Comerford and Richardson families on the passing of Kyle. He was an inspirational, positive person, dedicated runner and a talented martial artist. It was a pleasure to know him. RIP.”
Kyle was a member of St. Joseph’s Athletic Club in Kilkenny, with one fellow runner describing him as “an inspiration to all who knew him in his work and his pastime of running”. They continued: “He was a member of our fit for life back in the years. One race in particular to remember was our very own pink rock 10K last July 2025. Kyle ran it in 1.12.06 and we were all so happy for him.
“We were also looking forward to see him in next years race. Our sincere condolences to Eva who also ran in the race with Kyle’s dad Paul. Condolences to his mam Martina and sister Shania. Our thoughts and prayers are with all his families and friends in this very difficult time…May Kyle rest in eternal peace amen.”
Before embarking on a teaching career, Kyle served as a Relationship Manager at Uber in Co Limerick, with several of his former colleagues posting heartfelt tributes online.
One person wrote: “I had the pleasure of working alongside Kyle in UBER. He was a great colleague and an even better human. He was such a hard worker and support to those around him, and ALWAYS with a smile!
“I was blown away by his strength through his incredible journey in recent years. What a tragic loss for his family and his beautiful wife Eva who he spoke about frequently and was so very proud of. Sending so much love to you all at this difficult time.”
While another added: “Eva, we were deeply saddened to hear of Kyle’s passing. I had the privilege of working with Kyle in Uber on the Perspective team, and he was a genuinely warm, friendly and kind person who was a pleasure to work with. I have very fond memories of our time working together and travelling in and out from Murroe. My wife Mairead and I were honoured to attend Kyle’s small COVID wedding ceremony in Murroe. Kyle looked incredibly proud and happy that day, a moment we will always remember.”
Prior to his move to Dubai, Kyle was a teacher at FCJ Secondary School in Bunclody, Co Wexford, where he made a significant impact on his students.
In tribute to the beloved educator, one pupil said: “Deeply saddened to hear the news of Kyle’s untimely passing. While I was only thought by Kyle for one year, his energy, enthusiasm and kindness will leave a lasting impression on me and all of those lucky enough to have him as a teacher. He was sure to brighten up your day no matter what mood you were in. Sincere condolences to his wife, family and friends at this difficult time. May Kyle rest in peace.”
Another former student of Kyle’s said: “I have fond memories of Mr Comerford in school, he lit up the corridors with his bright energy and contagious smile. Well respected by everyone and a huge inspiration. Sending deepest sympathies to all Kyle’s family and friends, may he rest in peace.”
Kye’s body was returned to Ireland last week, with a private cremation service scheduled to take place in his home town of Kilkenny on Saturday.
Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.