Tributes pour in for RTE Super Garden champion who died days after big win

The funeral of Kildare gardener and RTÉ’s Super Garden winner is set to take place on Saturday.

Garden designer, John Dooley from Castledermot in Co Kildare, died just days after winning the hit show.

Mr Dooley took home the top prize last week and displayed his winning garden at the Bloom festival over the weekend prior to his untimely passing.

The beloved gardener passed away suddenly on Wednesday June 5, after making his ‘dream come true.’

Tributes have poured in on RIP.ie for the talented garden designer who was a ‘ray of sunshine’ for viewers of the show.

‘He only just achieved his life long dream to design a garden and he did it with such passion with Liz at his side all the way. A true gentleman he will be sadly missed,’ one mourner wrote.

‘John had always dreamed of entering Super Garden but never had the confidence to do it. In the end his wife Liz put his name forward for the competition without telling him,’ another added.

‘The loss of such an inspirational man at a time of great joy in his life is difficult to comprehend,’ a third shared.

‘It’s more than a dream come true. I have dreamt about it, thought about it, I never would have had the courage to do it,’ said John, speaking after his win last week.

‘I am so thrilled with Liz, if she had said to me, “John I am going to put you forward for Super Garden”, I would say “no way”, I wouldn’t be up for it, I am glad she didn’t say it to me now that we are here. For both of us it is absolutely magical.’

John’s remains will repose in Dunne’s Funeral Home on Mill Road in Castledermot, Co Kildare on Friday June 7 from 12 noon, concluding with rosary at 8pm.

On Saturday June 8 at 11.30am, his remains will be removed to The Church of the Assumption in Castledermot for his funeral mass at 12 noon, followed by burial in Coltstown Cemetery.

Any donations can be made to The Irish Heart Foundation.