Tributes have been paid to an Irishman who tragically drowned on a popular beach in Australia on New Year’s Eve.RIP.ie
Tributes have been paid to an Irishman who tragically drowned on a popular beach in Australia on New Year’s Eve.
Sean Keaney, 35, tragically died after his body was discovered in the water at Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, off the coast of Queensland in Australia at around 11am local time.
Police and emergency services were alerted after Mr Keaney, originally from Co Cavan, was found unresponsive in the water, with a file to be prepared for the coroner.
Mr Keaney’s death notice reads that he passed away following a ‘tragic accident,’ and that he’s the ‘loving Son of Bridie and the late Charlie, Brother of Cathriona, Fiona, Breda, Katie, Matt, Cathal and Thomas.
‘Sadly missed by his Mother, Sisters, Brothers, Sisters in law, Brothers in law, Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Relatives, Neighbours and Friends.’
Mr Keaney was from Co Cavan originally, and had been living in London where he played GAA with Tara GFC — who paid tribute to him on their Facebook page.
‘It is with great sadness we share the heartbreaking news that we lost one of our own, Sean Keaney,’ the club wrote. ‘After transferring from Crosserlough GFC in Cavan to Tara GFC, Sean spent an incredible four years with our club, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met.
‘We were incredibly lucky to have Sean by our side as we celebrated last year’s & this year’s Championship victories, as well as the All Britain titles. A man always found on the dance floor with smile that could light up a room & a laugh that could warm your heart. Sean will be unbelievably missed by us all.
‘On behalf of the Tara men, ladies & youth, we extend our deepest condolences to the Keaney family, extended family & friends. We are especially thinking of his mother Bridie, father Charlie (RIP), sisters Cathriona, Fiona, Breda, Katie, and brothers Matt, Cathal & Thomas.’
‘My deepest sympathies to all of Seans family and friends,’ another wrote in a tribute. ‘We had the honour to work with Sean for many years in London. He was an extremely talented and kind hearted fella and he will never be forgotten by those of us lucky enough to have known him. RIP Sean.’
A GoFundMe in aid of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust following Sean’s passing had also been started following the tragedy, which raised over £75,000 (€86,000).
Funeral arrangements are set to be announced at a later date.
* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.