POPULAR former model Lisa Murphy has died after a private cancer battle – as ex Gerald Kean paid devastating tribute.
The celeb solicitor spoke fondly of beloved Lisa who he had been in a relationship with for a decade, after her death aged 51 was confirmed today.
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Lisa – who previously dated Michael Flatley – had been battling ill health for some time before her condition took a serious turn before Christmas.
Friends told how Lisa had kept news of her cancer battle private, but she met her health hell with a “quiet determination”.
Gerald told the Irish Sun: “I am absolutely heartbroken and devastated at the news.
“She was a wonderful woman and we shared many great times together. She was a terrific woman, one of a kind.
“My thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”
Lisa and Gerald dated between 2006 and 2016, and were a high-profile presence on the Dublin social scene.
Tributes have poured in for the former Dublin Wives star since news of her sad death broke this morning.
Former Miss World Rosanna Davison told the Irish Sun: “I’m really sad to hear of Lisa’s passing.
“I think it was a shock for everyone to hear the news today. I have great memories of Lisa. She was always really kind, bubbly, and really, really, really sweet.
“I’ve had great conversations with her and chats with her over the years. We talked a bit about fertility, before we had Sophia.
“Lisa was just a really kind, genuine person.
“So I think a lot of people are very shocked and saddened to say to her for passing you know, she definitely made an impact on a lot of people’s lives. I’m just really thinking of her friends and family today.”
PALS STUNNED
Model Holly Carpenter said: “Very shocked to read about the passing of Lisa Murphy.
“She always came across so sweet, polite and kind-natured any time I met her. Rest in peace Lisa. Thinking of her family and friends today.”
Pal Michael Mulcahy posted a throwback snap of the ex-couple at his own wedding, where Lisa had been best lady.
He shared: “It is with immense sadness that Jonathan Smith and I learned this morning of the very sad passing of our beautiful friend and Best Lady at our wedding in 2014, Lisa Murphy.
“A beautiful lady in every way, genuine, kind and so lovely, Lisa has been ill for some time and was just 51 years of age.
“Lisa and our wonderful friend Gerald Kean were our Best Man and Best Lady at our wedding on June 20th 2014 and have been two of our best friends forever.
“Rest gently our beautiful darling.”
It comes as…
- The model’s battle with cancer before her tragic death was revealed
- Friends said the model had battled the disease with ‘quiet determination’
- Pals revealed how she captured their hearts – including that of Michael Flatley
- Celeb lawyer Gerald Kean shared a touching tribute to his former partner
PRIVATE HEALTH FIGHT
Pals said Lisa had been extremely ill for some time as she battled cancer but had been determined to keep her condition quiet.
A friend said: “She was a very private person at heart despite the glitz and the glamour and she kept her illness largely to herself.
“The last few months were a struggle for her but she had a quiet determination that was so impressive.
“She’ll be sorely missed. Lisa had a wide circle of friends.”
In May 2011, Lisa was held up at knifepoint by armed thieves in Drayton Manor, who stole thousands of euros worth of jewellery from Gerald’s mansion near Brittas Bay.
She later spoke of her ordeal and revealed: “They asked, ‘where’s the safe?’, and I said ‘There is no safe’. They literally held me on the ground.
“They used cable ties and my hands were held behind my back. They had a knife and they were going to stab me in the back if I didn’t tell them where the jewellery was.”
In 2016, she spoke about moving back in with her parents following her split from the legal eagle.
At the time, Lisa laughed: “I’m actually back with my parents at the moment in Ballinteer. I’m getting totally spoiled which is lovely.
“It’s great to have them all to myself as they’re getting on in life.
“I’m very close to my family, I adore them. It’s just a temporary stay, but I’m delighted to be there.”
FAMILY FIRST
Lisa, who was previously engaged to Lord of the Dance star Flatley, spoke about enjoying the simple things in life after she’d been rocked by the death of her brother Paul in a car accident in the 1990s.
She continued: “I’m actually very laid-back and I like the simple things in life. I’ve always loved spending quality time with my family and friends, which costs nothing.
“Losing a family member puts everything in perspective and there is no word in the dictionary that described the loss of my special brother Paul.
“Now, as I said, I’m rediscovering that side of myself and my love of the simple things.
“I adore the outdoors and cycling, things like that.”
Lisa also previously dated boxer Joe Egan, who last year revealed his heartache that their relationship ended before she started dating Flatley.
Ringsend slugger Joe said: “It doesn’t bother me now but at the time it was very upsetting.
“Mike Tyson called me ‘the toughest white man on the planet’, but even my heart has been broken by a woman.
“There was a lot of anger there at the time, but it wasn’t always an angry relationship. There was a lot of love at one time. I thought we’d be together forever.
“But I don’t hold a grudge against Michael or Lisa anymore.”
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