Funeral of drowning victim to take place in Kanturk tomorrow

Funeral details have been announced for the 41-year-old man who drowned in the River Blackwater at Dysert, Dromagh in Mallow, Co Cork earlier this week.

Simon O’Connell, from Meelaheeragh, Kanturk, got in to difficulty in the water at around 7pm on Wednesday. The alarm was raised and the emergency services were at the scene within minutes. The body of the deceased was recovered downstream by members of the Cork County Fire Service.

A post mortem examination took place yesterday at Cork University Hospital Mortuary. An inquest into the death will take place at a later date. A file on the case is being sent to the coroner in North Cork.

Sinn Féin Senator Nicole Ryan said that she was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr O’Connell.

“My thoughts are with Simon’s family, friends and the wider community in Kanturk during this incredibly difficult time,” she said.

Simon is survived by his parents James and Nancy and his siblings James and Barry. He will also be sadly missed by his nephews Jamie and Danny, his niece Isla, extended family and friends.

A requiem mass for Simon will take place on Saturday at 11.30am in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Kanturk. Funeral afterwards to the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy.

Mr O’Connell was a tradesman who was well liked locally. He was a keen fisherman and loved the outdoors.