HERO PAUL’S FAMILY HIT BACK AT TROLLS
Parents say son’s quick actions saved the lives of his children
DEVASTATED parents whose son died saving his daughter’s life have defended him against cruel trolls.
Critics ignored his family’s heartbreak to post comments about the tragedy – but his loved ones have now said: “If it weren’t for his quick actions, more would have died.”
Paul Doran, 45, perished when he rescued 11-year-old Lyra in water beside an unpatrolled beach off the west coast of Australia last month.
Local trolls posted cruel comments, including: “How hard is it? Don’t swim on unpatrolled beaches.”
Another user added: “When will people learn to swim across a rip tide and not try to go against it?”
Paul, from Tipperkevin in Ballymore Eustace, moved with wife Simonne, the daughter of Kildare businessman Jim Sheridan, and their three children to
Australia only last July. They had been playing at Seven Mile Beach on Lennox Head, over 700km north of Sydney, in the Coral Sea of the Gold Coast in the state of New South Wales when tragedy struck.
Paul and Simonne saved daughter Lyra and sons Vann and Shay, but Paul drowned.
Patrols had finished for the day and it took off-duty lifeguards 30 minutes to find Paul, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
His mum Helen and dad Pat flew to Oz to comfort Simonne and the children.
The family, which owns Kildare company Pat Doran Construction, has now issued a statement to defend against Aussie criticisms.
The family statement said: “We are all still reeling from the loss and it is hard to believe this has happened.
“Paul and Simonne took water safety very seriously and the kids took swimming lessons before coming to Australia.
“They were enrolled in little nippers and were only allowed in shallow waters.
“Paul and Simonne were both fit and healthy, and strong in the water.
“Our only solace is that because of Paul’s quick reactions, and [his and Simonne’s] heroic actions as parents, that we didn’t lose more than Paul that day.”
Arrangements for a ceremony for Paul near Lennox Head are being finalised.
The statement added: “Thank you so much for holding Paul and his family in your thoughts and prayers these last few days. From those who knew Paul, and those who have been touched by his bravery, thank you so much.
“There are no words for the generosity of heart you have shown.”
Arrangements will also be made to remember and honour Paul in Ireland.
Family friend Brendan Mcdonnell last week explained that the tragedy of January 18 unfolded “in shallow waters when conditions quickly changed and they got into difficulty”.
Some Lennox Head residents described it as “a true tragedy” and one said: “It was awful, it’s so sad.”
Meanwhile, a Gofundme page target of €40,000 had yesterday reached €64,870. It includes a €1,000 contribution from four 10-yearolds who organised a 5km Fun Run in Naas.
Donations can be made to Paul Doran Hero Dad Fundraiser at gofundme.com.
Paul and Simonne took water safety very seriously HELEN & PAT DORAN VICTIM’S PARENTS