Adrian Murphy, a 43 year old Champion Irish Dancer, will be laid to rest in his native town Kilkenny after being murdered in London last month. His funeral will commence on Saturday 20th July and he will be buried next to his parents. 

Speaking to the Irish Sun, Adrian’s sister said, “It is hard to comprehend that he is not going to come home”. The family is overcome with grief and shock by the passing of Adrian. He will be put to rest in the family plot in St Kieran’s cemetery in Kilkenny.

His death notice on RIP.ie speaks about how he is “sadly missed by his loving family, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and his many friends”.

Kilkennypeople.ie paid a touching tribute to Adrian Murphy, describing him as a “beloved son” and “well-liked and popular Kilkenny man”. He produced and choreographed numerous shows, such as the Celtic Dance Force, Feet of Fire and Fire Dance The Show, as well as having the title of a seven-time All-Ireland Irish dancing champion.

Last month on June 4, Adrian was found dead at a house in a block of flats in Battersea, south London. Officers leading the investigation suspected he was lured to the location through chatting with a user on Grindr. Items were reported as having been stolen, including mobile phones and cash.  

 A 24 year-old was arrested on suspicion of rape, murder, and theft. They were released on bail but placed under investigation. A 17-year-old girl was also arrested on June 12, she was also released under investigation. 

Following Adrian’s death, Detective Chief Inspector Rob Pack, from the London Metropolitan Police’s Homicide and Major Crime Command, asked the public for help with finding the killer: “Please have the confidence to approach my team so we can investigate what happened. […] You will be taken seriously and treated with sensitivity”.

The cause of death was undetermined after a post mortem examination.