Tributes have been pouring in for Lorcán Branagan following his tragic death in Australia.
The Branagan family from County Down have been left reeling following the death of a talented, young GAA player in Australia.
The body of Lorcán Branagan was recovered in New South Wales on Monday (March 25).
A statement from Sydney Police reads:
“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.’
The passing of Lorcán Branagan comes six years after his older brother Peárce died from a cardiac seizure, aged only 23.
In a post on Facebook, Lorcán’s sister Caitlín said it was “difficult to put into words how simply amazing Lorcán was”.
She added: “I truly admired him throughout my life – particularly his sense of drive, hard work and ability to light up a room with his infectious smile and laugh.
“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.”
Both brothers played for Clonduff GAC, with Lorcán described as having a tremendous ‘devotion to hurly and football’.
Young Ireland GAA posted a heartfelt tribute on Facebook.
The Syndey GAA club stated: “Since joining our club this football season, Lorcán has made an indelible impression both on and off the pitch. His talent, enthusiasm, and kindness endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“Lorcán’s exceptional performance in our internal tournament, The Railway Cup, showcased his skill and unwavering commitment as a defender. Beyond his sporting abilities, Lorcán was admired for his warmth and friendly disposition, swiftly becoming a beloved figure within our club.
“Our thoughts and condolences are extended to his father Tony, mother Terri, brother Padráig, sister Caitlín, her partner and his niece Ríona partner Shona, as well as to his relatives, friends, teammates in Australia, and his home club Clonduff. We also extend our sympathies to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
In a statement, Clonduff GAC also paid tribute to the 26-year-old. “A very talented dual player for our club. Lorcán left for a winter in Australia in November 2023 and was due to return home for club playing duty in the coming weeks.
“Our club and community are absolutely devastated at the loss of a wonderful, young gentleman who represented our club with great distinction. It is even more difficult to comprehend this tragic news, given the untimely passing of Lorcán’s older brother Peárce, our senior hurler, in June 2018.”
Castlewellan GAA paid a heartfelt tribute to Lorcan too, writing: “On Sunday afternoon, past, we had the first decent weather in weeks and a great day to play a game. We were all smiles with the sun on our backs.
“Dreadful news then started to filter through, to those of us along the sidelines, of the loss of Lorcán Branagan from the Clonduff club in Sydney, Australia.
“Some of our lads knew Lorcán. An unimaginable second loss for the Branagan family in such a short space of time having lost Lorcán’s brother Peárce less than six years ago. We cannot begin to comprehend the pain of the Branagan family and our fellow Gaels in Clonduff and Australia.
“The past few days have seen the tragic loss of young life across the North. Our hearts go out to all the families and communities affected by such tragedy.
“The Executive Committee and Members of CLG Naomh Maolmhaodhóg, Caisleán Uidhilín wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Lorcán’s parents Tony and Terri, brother Padráig, sister Caitlín and her partner Lorcán, niece Ríona, Lorcán’s girlfriend Shona and the wider family circle.”
The post concluded: “Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Mary, Queen of the Gael, pray for him.”
A service for Lorcán and his family was held last night at St John’s Ballymaghery, Hilltown.
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