NORTH CLARE is “numb” following a tragic accident which claimed the life of Patrick McCarthy.
In what has been described as “a tragic incident”, Patrick McCarthy died after getting into difficulty while swimming off the Clare coast on Tuesday night.
Emergency services were called to Fanore Beach at approximately 9:45pm to assist two people who were swimming.
One swimmer, a child of Patrick’s managed to get ashore but he remained in the water while ensuring his child got to safety. The Irish Coast Guard Rescue 115 Helicopter was deployed from Shannon to assist, while the Doolin Coast Guard and the Aran Islands RNLI also attended the scene. He was airlifted to University Hospital Galway, where he was later pronounced dead.
From Ballyvaughan, Patrick, his wife Christina whom he married in September 2007, three daughters Meabh, Caoimhe and Siobhán and son Jack had been prominent throughout the North Clare community including the annual Christmas Fair events in Lisdoonvarna. The McCarthy family have been described by locals as being “at the centre of our community”.
He worked in maintenance at The Falls Hotel which is owned by his uncle Dan and his wife Eileen. Patrick also was involved in farming with his father, Christy who lives in Lahinch. His sister, Mary is well known within Ennistymon. Patrick is pre-deceased by his mother, Mary who died in 2016.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) stated, “It is a terrible loss for his family and friends. He was loved and adored by his family. He was well thought of throughout North Clare and his family are widely respected in the area”.
A feeling of sadness swept across North Clare, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) told The Clare Echo, “the place is numb”. He added, “Everyone is in such complete shock, the community will do everything we can do to support the family, it is a tragedy beyond imagination”. The Lisdoonvarna representative said the community will be ready to support the McCarthy clan, “It is going to need everyone in the community in every possible way. We will be with the family every step of the way”.
An Garda Síochána will prepare a file on the tragic incident and this will be forwarded to the coroner for Galway as the man was pronounced dead in that county. A coroner’s inquest will also take place at a later date.
His reposal takes place at Linnane’s Funeral Home in Ennistymon on Friday evening from 6pm to 8pm. The funeral mass is to be held at 12pm on Saturday at St John The Baptist Church in Ballyvaughan.
