Family of popular fisherman who died in accident thank community for support 

The family of a popular Cork fisherman who died last week following an accident at sea have expressed their gratitude to the people of Kinsale for almost bringing the town to a ‘standstill’ for his funeral.

Desmond (Des) Hurley (28) lost his balance amid poor weather conditions on board a vessel 200km off the south west coast on December 14. He was found unconscious.

An Irish Coast guard helicopter was en route to the trawler to offer assistance when Valentia Coastguard was informed that Des had passed away.

On a post shared on “The Skipper” Facebook page the Hurley family said that they wanted to express their gratitude for the huge outpouring of sympathy following the sudden death of a much-adored son, brother, partner, colleague and friend.

“To the thousands of people who showed up over the last few days. Thank ye so much.

"Desmond well and truly stopped the town and as visitors watched on- they asked; Is this a celebrity's funeral? People answered ‘pretty much.’ No words can ever be said to comprehend what has happened but we take some comfort in the crowds of people that showed us so much love and support over the past few days.

"We appreciate the send off our Des got and one he thoroughly deserved.

"We love and miss you Des. Rest in peace.

Love from the Hurleys , Kinsale”

Des who was from Eltin’s Wood in Kinsale, is survived by his parents Jimmy and Noreen, his siblings Chris, Mark, Jemma and Vikki, his grandparents Christy and Eileen and partner Larissa.

An obituary was posted on Kinsale Catholic Parish page which stated that Des had been fishing in the family business for for fourteen years.

“Des was blessed with a lovely outgoing personality, always pleasant, a friend to young and old. Blessed with a big heart and big hands he was very good at his job. His tragic accidental death has brought great sadness to his family, the fishing community and the wider Kinsale community.”

James was a past pupil of Kinsale Community School. 

He also studied at the BIM fisheries college. 

He was laid to rest last Monday at St Eltin’s cemetery following a funeral mass at St John the Baptist Church in Kinsale. 

The cortège stopped off at the pier in Kinsale on the day of the funeral amid poignant scenes.