Second tragedy for Co Down family as brother of late Clonduff hurler dies in Sydney

THE family of a Co Down hurler who died in 2018 has suffered a second tragedy after the death of his brother in Australia.

Lorcán Branagan, aged in his mid-twenties, from Hilltown is understood to have passed away in Sydney over the weekend.

A member of Clonduff GAC, his brother Peárce had died aged 23 after suffering a suspected heart attack nearly six years ago.

Lorcán and his brother had been “inseparable” before Peárce’s death, their sister has said in a moving tribute posted to social media.

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Newry, Mourne and Down councillor Jarlath Tinnelly said the young man had travelled out to Australia with friends last year.

“It’s not the first tragedy to hit the family, his brother (Pearce) died at a young age a couple of years ago as well,” he told The Irish News.

“It’s a shocking tragedy, especially when someone is far from home.”

Following his brother’s death, Mr Branagan had often taken part in fundraising events in his memory.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Lorcan’s sister Caitlín described her heartbreak, praising 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,” she wrote.

“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.”

She added: “Lorcán was someone who you could easily admire. He was 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.”

In a statement from Clonduff GAC, a spokesperson said: “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.

“Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with Lorcán’s family: his father Tony, mother Terri, brother Padráig, sister Caitlín and her partner Lorcán, niece Ríona and the wider Branagan family circle. We also extend our thoughts to Lorcán’s girlfriend Shona and his teammates and friends both at home and in Australia.”

South Down MP, Sinn Féin’s Chris Hazzard, described the tragedy as “devastating”.

Police in Sydney confirmed that a body was located on Monday, believed to be that of a 26-year-old man who was reported missing at 6pm on Sunday.

His identity has not been formally confirmed and a report is being prepared for the coroner.

He was last seen around 3.30am near a nightclub in the harbour area of Barangaroo, just over a mile away from Sydney Opera House.

An extensive search involving divers and police helicopters followed before the body was found.