A GROUP of generous Arcade Fire fans have committed a heart-warming random act of kindness following the death of a fellow Irish fan.
Ivor Melia, originally from Killorglin, Co. Kerry, lived and worked in Cork where he was a well-known and hugely popular publicist with Kearney Melia Communications.
Melia was diagnosed with cancer this year, and died on June 19th, aged 45.
Shortly after his death, his best friend and business partner, Jean Kearney was passed an unexpected letter from an Ian Wright with an address in Clane, Co.Kildare.
The letter offered condolences and in it, Wright explained that music buff Ivor had been a much loved and respected member of the Arcade Fire fansite forum Us Kids Know (UKK). “The man we knew was warm and generous of spirit, with impeccable taste in films, music and books,” wrote Mr Wright.
Musician Win Butler of Arcade Fire (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)Melia had made his friends online aware of his illness, but his sudden passing still came as a shock. “There have been expressions of sadness as far west as Vancouver, as far east as the Philippines and far south as Australia and from many points between those places in Ireland,” Mr Wright continued.
However, the biggest surprise came at the end of the letter. Wright explained that together, fellow Arcade Fire fans, the vast majority of whom has never met Melia in person, had raised €1000 for their friend.
The money will be donated to the St.Therese's Ward in the Mercy University Hospital in Cork in line with Ivor’s wishes.
