A POPULAR young hurler who died after falling from student accommodation halls has been remembered as a “credit to his family” by his local GAA club.
Darragh McCarthy, 21, sadly lost his life after plunging from the fourth-storey window of the complex.
It is understood that the hurler was sleep walking when the freak accident took place while he was staying with friends in Eden Hall student accommodation on Model Farm Road in Co Cork.
The youngster sadly passed away in the Intensive Care Unit at Cork University Hospital on Tuesday after tragedy in the early hours of Thursday, March 6.
He is believed to have suffered massive head injuries in the fall.
Darragh, who lived at home in Midleton, was a very active member of the student community at Munster Technological University and was a keen sportsman, having played hurling for his Midleton GAA team.
Midleton GAA told how they learnt of Darragh’s death with “deep sadness and sorrow”.
A heartbreaking tribute read: “A young man of great character and presence who was a credit to his family and our club.
“Our focus remains on remembering Darragh as a player, friend and clubmate and supporting his family over these most difficult times.”
A notice online remembered Darragh as the “adored son” of Niall and Aoife, “loving brother” of Aisling and Niall Óg and the much-loved grandson of Marie and the late Flannan O’Meara and the late Henry and Helen McCarthy.
It added that he would be sadly missed by his “loving girlfriend”, extended family and “wide circle of friends”, including those from Midleton CBS, MTU, and Midleton GAA as well as his work colleagues and the management team at Fota Resort and Golf Club.
Tributes have poured in for the young student from across the country as news of his passing continues to devastate the local community.
Avril Geary, Chairperson of the East Cork GAA Board, said: “On behalf of the Executive of the East Cork GAA Board, I offer sincere condolences to the McCarthy family on the tragic and untimely passing of Darragh.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with family, friends and Midleton GAA Club mates.
“I hope it brings some comfort to know that the wider GAA famiy stands beside you.”
‘ALWAYS SMILING’
One mourner told how Darragh’s smile will “live on forever”.
They said: “All the warmth and love his friends show when speaking of Darragh will always be a legacy of the wonderful young man he is and will always be, his vibrancy, energy, kindness and dazzling smile live on forever in the hearts of those who loved and knew him, he is travelling on to his next adventure, we keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.”
Another added: “A beautiful young man always smiling. Darragh will be remembered fondly and missed sorely by all.
“Thinking and praying for you all at this extremely difficult time. May Darragh’s gentle soul rest in peace.”
Darragh will repose in O’Farrell’s Funeral Home on Riverside Way in Midleton on Friday from 4pm to 7pm.
A funeral mass will take place at the Church of the Most Holy Rosary in Midleton at 11am on Saturday, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Gardai stressed that no foul play was involved and they are treating the incident as a freak accident.
