THE man who died in this week’s drowning accident at Fanore has been named locally as Patrick McCarthy.
Patrick, who had worked at the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon, is survived by his wife Christina and four children.
Local councillor Joe Garrihy said that the family lived between Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan and are very well regarded in the area.
“They’re involved in everything in the community and they’re involved in everything that we do. It’s devastating to be honest to you, we see it all the time, the worst things happen to the nicest of people. They’re so nice and they give to the things and help with a heart and a half.”
He said that the death has caused huge sadness in the area. “The place is devastated. This is a young person, a young family, they know everyone and are involved in everything.
“In small communities like ours, it’s like an extended family. Especially when kids are growing up and people are involved in everything together, around sport and playgrounds, the Pavillion, the creche, there’s no one in the community that this hasn’t floored over the last few days.”
Councillor Garrihy said that the family will support Patrick’s family. “All we can do is wrap the community around the family and be there for them, I know that’s happening and will continue to happen.”
Patrick will repose in Linnane’s funeral home in Ennistymon on Friday evening from 6-8pm, with funeral mass at St John the Baptist church in Ballyvaughan on Saturday at 12 noon.
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.