'Darragh was a gift beyond measure': Fitness event to be held in memory of Cork man

When he talks about his late son, Darragh, Niall McCarthy’s eyes light up.

“Darragh, our first-born, was a unique person,” says the dad. “He loved nature and he loved the great outdoors.

“When Darragh came in home, he’d put on his boots, grab his hurley, sliotar, and ball, call the dogs, and they’d go up the fields together running and playing ball.”

Darragh, from Midleton, died after a tragic accident a year ago, aged 21, days after falling from a student accommodation building in Cork city.

Now a fitness event is being held in memory of the sports fanatic and Munster Technological University student, who was a fine hurler and keen swimmer.

Called ‘DMax 7.7’, it has been named after Darragh’s birth date on July 7, and his family and friends say it celebrates the qualities that defined him - resilience, courage, commitment, and competitive spirit.

The event will take place at the Marina Market in Cork on Saturday, May 16.

Niall, who is also dad to Aisling and Niall Óg, tells me about the other beautiful qualities and traits that defined Darragh’s life.

He loved the company of his dogs, and he loved the company of his dad.

“In the summer months, he’d throw a towel over his shoulder before heading off to Inch beach or Garryvoe beach for a swim. Darragh would call me, ‘are you coming too?”

Did Niall go?

“I did, once!” says Niall with a smile.

He remembers fondly the day his eldest child was born.

At his son’s funeral mass in March last year, at the Church of The Most Holy Rosary in Midleton, Niall said: “Our Darragh was born on 07/07/2003. He weighed in a beautiful baby boy at 7lbs 6oz and he measured 53 centimetres”

Niall recalled another day that is etched in his memory.

“The second time Darragh was weighed in at the hospital after his tragic accident, he came in at 6’ 2’’ and 101kg.”

Darragh had grown into a fine young man.

“A fine cut of a fella,” says his dad. “He was easygoing, placid, and kind. He never gave us a reason to worry. He had a relaxed, calm way about him.”

Darragh offered little gestures that meant a lot. “His signature shoulder squeezes were just what everyone needed after a stressful day,” says Niall.

“He had the ability to light up a room with his big personality.”

People radiated towards the handsome, sports-mad young man.

“We are grateful Darragh met Sophie and they shared very happy memories together,” sid Niall.

Just over a year on from his son’s tragic death, Niall, his family and friends want to create more happy memories, and to create a fitting legacy for Darragh. Hence the creation of the inclusive event DMax 7.7

“Darragh lived life with energy, determination, and heart,” says Niall. “He was a passionate hurler who loved the gym and thrived on a challenge. He pushed himself physically, embraced competition, and inspired those around him with his quiet strength.”

DMax 7.7 is about much more than fitness though, isn’t it?

“It’s a celebration of Darragh’s life,” says Niall. “And a reminder to live fully, support one another, and embrace every challenge.

“DMax 7.7 gives people the opportunity to test their strength, endurance, and mental resilience in a way that truly reflects who Darragh was.”

What message has Niall’s family and friends for us?

“We encourage people to sign up, push themselves, and honour Darragh in the way he would have loved most - through strength, heart, and community.”

How did the McCarthy family and their friends find the strength to push themselves past the grief barrier that Darragh’s passing left in its devastating wake?

“I think Darragh is still influencing us,” says Niall. “He left his mark on everybody, and this is one way to keep him alive.

“You can hold grief in you,” says Niall. “At the most random times it comes at you. It’s like a hand crawling up your back and onto the back of your neck.”

The fond memory of Darragh and his short, but fulfilled life, comes at his father all the time.

“Our lives and our family will never be the same again,” says Niall. “We are grateful to have the years we shared with him.”

Niall echoes the words he spoke at Darragh’s funeral mass.

“Darragh was a gift beyond measure because of his zest for life and his good nature.”

“He is still influencing people in a positive way with his mark and magic.

“His legacy is alive and well. I am so proud of him.”

Like father, like son.

“Darragh had huge standards and you dare not let him down on the field,” said Niall.

DMax 7.7 event 

DMax 7.7 will take place at the Marina Market in Cork on Saturday, May 16, bringing a unique and meaningful challenge to fitness enthusiasts.

It features seven stations, each lasting seven minutes, with a two-minute transition between each.

Competitors, entering in doubles teams, will test their strength, endurance, and mental resilience across a series of challenges including skipping, skiErg, med ball, assault bike, rowing, burpee box jumps, and wall balls.

The number seven represents Darragh’s birthday, July 7, while the total event time of one hour and one minute holds special significance. It marks the time in which Darragh and his cousin Séan completed their first Hyrox event together, a moment that captures Darragh’s love of challenge and camaraderie.

The stag symbol as part of the event logo also has significance. It was to be Darragh’s next tattoo — a symbol of strength, power and determination.

During the all-day event, doubles teams will compete on a points-based system earning one point per repetition, skip, or movement, with the goal of achieving the highest score within the time limit.

DMax 7.7 is a non-profit event, with all ticket sales covering events costs.

Tickets costing €54.60 are available now by searching DMax 7.7 at Eventbrite.