One of the two men killed in yesterday's helicopter crash in Co Westmeath has been named as 46-year-old Niall Crosby from Glenageary in Dublin.
A spokesperson for his family said Mr Crosby - who was originally from Straffan in Co Kildare - will be "deeply missed" by his family, as well as his "wide circle of friends, relations, work colleagues, clients and professional peers".
Mr Crosby worked as an IT consultant, with his entrepreneural work meaning he spent much of his working life in London.
Mr Crosby and his wife Jillian had returned to Dublin to raise their family in recent years.
"Niall's family would like to thank everyone who has been in touch with their condolences over the past extraordinarily difficult 24 hours," the spokesperson said, adding that they particularly wanted to thank first responders and the various authorities involved following the crash "who have been so understanding and professional".
The family also expressed thanks to the local communities of Killucan and Raharney for their thoughts and prayers, and said Mr Crosby's co-pilot was in their thoughts.
Gardaí have said that formal identification of the co-pilot - who is from Eastern Europe - has taken place.
The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash which happened at 3.30pm yesterday on a rural farm near Killucan.
In a post on X tonight, they said that following a complex and challenging recovery operation, the helicopter has been removed from the farm warehouse and is being transported to the wreckage examination facility at Gormanston Co Meath.
They also said that the AAIU cannot provide any details while the investigation is ongoing but they expect that a preliminary report will be published in one month.
They are appealing for any witnesses who may have photos or videos of the helicopter flying in the area prior to the crash to make contact with them.
A post on X said: "The AAIU would be grateful for the assistance of members of the public who may have photos or video of the helicopter flying in the vicinity of Killucan on the afternoon of Tuesday 30th June.
"They can either email info@aaiu.ie or contact the AAIU at 01-6041292."
Earlier, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan sent his condolences to the families of both men, calling it a "terrible tragedy".
"We were informed straight away yesterday and the air investigation unit went up straight away, so obviously they have to carry out their job and it's a terrible tragedy," he said.
