A FUNDRAISER has been launched in honour of tragic teen Josh Dunne, who is believed to have lost his life trying to stop an assault in Dublin city.
Josh Dunne died from stab wounds on Tuesday night after he apparently stepped in to help a man who was being assaulted by a group after allegedly stealing a delivery driver's bike.
Josh, along with some friends, attempted to calm the situation, but in intervening, both Josh and another 16-year-old were stabbed three times.
They were rushed to the Mater Hospital, where Josh was sadly pronounced dead.
His friend is believed to have sustained serious injuries in the attack.
Tributes have been flooding in for the youngster, with many lamenting the loss of a 'kind' 'good-hearted' teenager who was a talented soccer player and who had a bright future ahead of him.
Josh Dunne has been praised as a hero for intervening in the attack. (Facebook)Now the community has come together to launch a fundraiser to allow Josh to be laid to rest.
The fundraiser for Josh's funeral was set up by local woman Annie Drum, who wrote that by now everyone had heard the "terrible news" about Josh's passing.
Annie wrote that she had been speaking to his family who were happy to allow a fundraiser to be set up in Josh's name, and asked the community to donate "something small" if possible.
Stating that no words could convey the grief being felt by those who knew Josh, Annie said "we have a great community [who have] no problem in helping".
The fundraiser, set up yesterday, had an initial target of €2,000; but as the news of Josh's bravery in his last moments sent shockwaves across the country, people have donated in their droves, and the current figure sits at over €26,000.
Some left comments and messages of condolence alongside their donations, with the Rooney family writing "There are no words to ease the pain but known in the silence we pray the angels will wrap their wings around you all.
"Fly high Josh."
Josh Dunne was a talented soccer player with a bright future (Twitter /St Kevins Boys)"My heart is broken for this family," Caroline McGovern wrote, while Dec McGuinness said "So so sorry for your loss... Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
A family friend said Josh was "taken away too soon because you had a good heart and tried to help someone else".
Addressing Josh's mother, she said "You did good, you raised a good lad and someone that would have no doubt grown to be a good man."
A murder investigation has been launched following Josh's death, and Gardaí have appealed for anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward.
You can donate to the fundraiser for the funeral of Josh Dunne here.
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