A man who sacrificed his life attempting to assist a group of teenage swimmers who were having difficulties at a Co Cork beach has been called a courageous, unselfish, and real hero, reports RTE.
After the incident at Inch Strand in Midleton in east Cork on Friday, Stephen O’Callaghan, 55, of Montenotte in the city, passed away.
Five individuals reported experiencing difficulties in the water, according to the Irish Coastguard stationed at Valentia.
Members of the public pulled four individuals out of the water.
After plunging into the ocean, Mr. O’Callaghan was hauled out of the water in critical condition and sent to Cork University Hospital, where he eventually passed away, reports RTE.
“This is my son Stephen O’Callaghan who lost his life in saving two young boys,” his mother Kathleen said on social media.
“Stephen, may God and his mother Mary keep an eye on you. I cherish you. Your mother, who has a damaged heart.”
In response, others expressed their condolences and called Stephen “a true gentleman” and “a hero”.
“My brother Stephen unfortunately lost his life last Friday saving four children from drowning at Inch beach in Cork. An absolute hero who will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Never miss an opportunity to tell those people in your life what they mean to you and that you love them.God Speed Brother and will see you soon,” his brother Emmet said on LinkedIn, reports RTE.
In lieu of flowers, those attending his burial on Wednesday at Cork City’s North Gate Bridge are urged to make a donation to the RNLI.
Numerous individuals honoured Mr. O’Callaghan on RIP.ie.
He was called “a true hero” and “brave and selfless” by many, reports RTE.
The tributes included: “What courage he had, sadly he paid the price with his own life” along with “What a brave and selfless man.”
An inquest into his death has been scheduled, and a file has been forwarded to the coroner, reports RTE.
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