Second tragedy for family as NI man dies in Australia
Hurling player, whose brother passed away in 2018, ‘lived life to full’
A POIGNANT tribute has been paid to 26-year-old Co Down man Lorcán Branagan after a body was recovered in Australia yesterday.
In a touching online tribute, his sister expressed her admiration for an “amazing” brother who lit up a room with an “infectious smile and laugh”.
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust is assisting the family to bring his body back home to Hilltown.
It is the second tragedy to strike the family after his brother Peárce (23) died from a cardiac seizure in 2018, leaving the local community devastated.
Both brothers played for Clonduff GAC.
In 2021, Lorcán completed a skydive with his dad in memory of Peárce to raise funds for Cardiomyopathy UK, a charity which helped Peárce throughout his life.
New South Wales police yesterday confirmed that a body, believed to be that of a man reported missing in the Sydney central business district, had been located.
Police in Sydney said that a 26-year-old man was reported missing to police at Mascot Police Station at about 6pm on Sunday, March 24.
A statement said: “Officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The man was last seen near a licensed premises at Barangaroo about 3.30am on Sunday.
“Following extensive inquiries and a multi-agency search with assistance from Marine Area
Command and Polair, the body of a man was located in the water at about 12.45pm on Monday, March 25.
“While the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the 26-year-old man.
“A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.”
Lorcán’s sister Caitlín said she “truly admired” him throughout her life, “particularly his sense of drive, hard work and ability to light up a room with his infectious smile and laugh”.
In a social media post, she added: “Oh what I would give to hear it just one more time.
“It breaks my heart how you were taken in such tragic circumstances and my heart goes out to his girlfriend Shona and all our cousins who are currently out in Australia. Your strength is commendable.
“Lorcán truly lived his life to the fullest. Losing our brother Peárce in 2018 was a difficult time for our entire family circle, but especially for our Lorcán. Him and Peárce were inseparable.
“They had a bond that was like no other and a love for one another that was indescribable.
“Lorcán showed incredible strength during this time and the way he composed himself throughout was truly admirable to all. Our family feels a sense of comfort to know you are both united again.”
Caitlín hailed Lorcán as “an amazing individual who had a big heart and was always there to lend a helping hand to a friend”.
“Lorcán, as many know, was a phenomenal athlete who will be sorely missed by Clonduff.
“His devotion to hurly and football was tremendous.
“He wowed everyone by his sheer skill and dedication to his fitness. He was a player that all coaches dream of having on their team.
“I will forever miss you coming into my room asking ‘does this look okay?’ ‘What do you think of this outfit?’
“And of course watching a haul in the middle of the kitchen of endless white t-shirts from peculiar brands, but as Lorcán would have said ‘you can never have too many t-shirts’.
“You were a true gentleman who was full of joy and loved everything life had to offer.”