Tributes paid to ‘bright and friendly’ Cork hurler who died from fall at student accommodation

The tragic accident occurred on Thursday 6th March.

21-year-old Darragh McCarthy from Midleton died unexpectedly and peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Cork University Hospital on Tuesday.

The youngster fell through a window while he was staying with friends in Eden Hall student accommodation on Model Farm Road last Thursday.

It’s thought he may have been sleep walking when the accident happened.

At the time of his passing, he was in his second year of a bachelor's degree in sports studies at Munster Technological University and was working in the Fota Resort Hotel and Golf Club.

He was a very active member of the student community there and was a keen sportsman, having played hurling for his Midleton GAA team.

His club announced his passing in an emotional Facebook post earlier today.

The post read: "It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we learnt of Darragh’s untimely passing. A young man of great character and presence who was a credit to his family and our club.

"Our focus remains on remembering Darragh as a player, friend and clubmate and supporting his family over these most difficult times."

Darragh also played with his college's hurling team and had been very involved with GAA from an early age. He was a key player in helping Midleton win the Cork County Under 21A hurling title last year.

His death notice describes Darragh as the "adored son" of Niall and Aoife, "loving brother" of Aisling and Niall Óg and the much-loved grandson of Marie and the late Flannan O'Meara and the late Henry and Helen McCarthy.

It added: "Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his heartbroken mom, dad, sister, brother, loving girlfriend Sophie McCarthy Keane, aunts Sinéad, Teresa and Deirdre, uncles Brian, Kevin, Paul, Fergal and Rowan, cousins, aunts-in-law, uncles-in-law, his wide circle of friends, including those from Midleton CBS, MTU, and Midleton GAA, as well as his work colleagues and the management team at Fota Resort and Golf Club."

Tributes have poured in for tragic Darragh today, with mourners telling how the community has suffered a "tremendous loss".

Another pal added: "So sorry for your loss I am in college with him and everyone in college will miss him dearly."

A third said: "Thinking of you all constantly. Darragh was a popular, strong, kind, extremely well liked young man and may he rest peacefully."

Another simply added: "I am so deeply sorry that you have lost your precious son."

Gardaí investigating the tragic incident say that no foul play was involved.

They are investigating how the accident could have happened and spoke to the deceased's shocked and traumatised friends.