A Dublin community is in mourning as they come together to honor a young father who tragically lost his life to cancer shortly after tying the knot. Dean Dunphy, a van driver from Ballyfermot, was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer, specifically glioblastoma, in August 2023 after experiencing stroke-like symptoms and muscle spasms. Sadly, Dean, 34, passed away at Beaumont Hospital just three days after exchanging vows with his partner, Michaela, in a heartfelt ceremony at Opium in the city center.
Behind the scenes, Dean and Michaela received overwhelming support from their loved ones, who set up a fundraising effort of €40,000 to help cover wedding and healthcare expenses. Notably, professional fighter Conor McGregor also stepped in with a generous donation of €10,000 to support the couple during their difficult time. The couple’s love story began in 2011 when Dean found Michaela on Facebook and took a chance by adding her as a friend. Their online connection blossomed into a real-life romance, leading to the birth of their daughter, Sloane, in 2021.
Dean’s health struggles began with childhood ailments like persistent headaches and migraines, which were initially dismissed as common by medical professionals. However, in June 2023, Dean started experiencing alarming muscle twitches, even while working on the motorway. Concerned about his well-being, Michaela rushed him to the local A&E, where he was later transferred to another hospital for further evaluation. Initially, doctors suspected Bell’s palsy, but after tests and scans, they discovered a mass on Dean’s brain in July.
On August 24, 2023, Dean underwent a seven-hour brain surgery, coinciding with Michaela’s 30th birthday. The biopsy results revealed the devastating diagnosis of stage four glioblastoma, leading to additional surgery to remove cancerous tissue from his brain. Dean then began a grueling regimen of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to combat the disease. Despite his deteriorating condition, Dean and Michaela managed to squeeze in a family trip to Spain in August 2024, approved by his doctors.
Unfortunately, Dean’s health took a turn for the worse during their holiday, prompting them to return home early. Medical professionals identified brain swelling and adjusted his treatment plan to include more aggressive chemotherapy and blocker therapy to slow the tumor’s growth. Throughout his treatments, Dean continued to attend regular check-ups and plan his wedding with Michaela. The couple exchanged vows in an emotional ceremony just days before Dean’s passing, leaving behind a devastated family and friends.
Dean’s peaceful passing at Beaumont Hospital was announced in a heart-wrenching death notice on RIP.ie, prompting an outpouring of tributes from those who knew and loved him. Friends and family described Dean as a true gentleman, known for his laughter and kindness that touched the lives of many. A GoFundMe campaign set up for Dean’s family received overwhelming support, allowing him and Michaela to fulfill their wedding dreams despite the shadow of cancer looming over them.
The grieving community will have the opportunity to pay their respects to Dean at his Cherry Orchard home before his Funeral Mass at The Church of The Most Holy Sacrament, followed by cremation at Mount Jerome Crematorium. Dean’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, as they come together to honor his legacy of courage and kindness.
