THE heartbroken family of a “beloved” 16-year-old teenager who died in tragic fall in Co Kerry have confirmed he will be laid to rest this weekend.
Darragh Byrne, from Charleville in Co Cork, was killed instantly on Tuesday when he fell at a lake close to Daingean Ui Chuis in the west Kerry Gaeltacht of Corca Dhuibhne near the Conor Pass.
Darragh’s school opened a book of condolences[/caption]
Darragh, who had travelled to Kerry on holidays with his parents James and Siobhan, went exploring an area with a waterfall close to Pedlars Lake.
However, when he failed to return his parents raised the alarm and emergency services kicked into action.
Darragh was found close to the bottom of the waterfall and it is believed he may have climbed up to the lake, slipped and plunged to his death.
A notice online described Darragh as the “beloved son” of James and Siobhan.
It added: “Sadly missed by his heartbroken parents, grandfather George Fehilly, grandmother Marie Byrne, uncles Pádraig, Gearoid, Kevin and Michael, aunts Nollaig, Maeve, Deirdre, grandaunts, relatives and friends.”
In an emotional statement, Darragh’s family thanked emergency services for their efforts at the scene, including 30 members of Dingle Coast Guard and the Kerry Mountain Action Team who responded alongside the ambulance service and Gardai.
They said: “The family would like to thank the Doctors, Paramedics, Gardai, Dingle and Killarney Mountain Rescue, Shannon Rescue 115 and all those who helped in so many ways.”
Darragh’s family confirmed the young man will be reposing in Hawe O’Keeffe Funeral Home in Charleville on Saturday from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, followed by prayers.
His funeral mass will take place in Holy Cross Church in Charleville at 12 noon on Sunday, with a cremation service at Shannon Crematorium at 3pm.
Tributes have been pouring in for Darragh, who was a student at Christian Brothers Secondary School in Charleville, since he passed away earlier this week.
In a post on social media, management at his school said Darragh was a “bright and uplifting” presence in their school community.
They added: “Whether in the classroom, walking our corridors, or spending times with his friends, he left a meaningful and lasting impact.
“His generous nature, intelligence and talent inspired all who knew him.
“Darragh will be missed deeply by his friends, his classmates, and all the staff here at CBS Charleville.
“His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, and we will remember him with great affection and sorrow.”
‘TRULY HEARTBROKEN’
One mourner said: “I had the pleasure of knowing Darragh during his school days at CBS Primary. He had a wonderfully quirky and unique personality that made our conversations thoughtful and often very memorable.
“He had a big, beautiful smile, something I know so many people will miss deeply. I’m truly heartbroken for you all. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and all who loved him.”
A classmate added: “Darragh was a truly special person, and his kindness and presence will be deeply missed, wether it was in the classroom, or moments shared outside, his humble and kind presence was always felt.
“You was taken from us too soon brother, may we meet again in the next life, but for now, may your soul Rest in Peace.”
This is the second high-profile tragedy to hit the family as Darragh’s grandmother, Mary Feehily, died last November.
She was struck by a car as she stood on a footpath after stopping to buy a GAA lottery ticket in the centre of Charleville.
Mary, who was in her 70s, was very well known locally and was the mother-in-law of Fianna Fail TD for Clare Cathal Crowe.
