Family of Carlow man killed in accidental shooting say they will 'eternally miss' him

Sarah Slater

The family of a 21-year-old man who died in an accidental shooting in Co Carlow have said he will be “eternally missed”.

Paul Fitzpatrick from Killenane Lane, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow, died in the incident which occurred close to the village of Leighlinbridge at around 11pm on Tuesday last.

Mr Fitzpatrick, who was accompanied by friends, was fox hunting when the incident took place.

Emergency services and gardai were called to the scene and it is understood the man died a short time later.

His body was taken to University Hospital Waterford where a post mortem examination will be carried out.

Gardaí cordoned off the area to allow for a forensic and technical examination.

The young man is survived by his parents Darran and Rosemarie, brothers Billy and Niall, girlfriend Ebony, grandparents Carmel, Mary and Paddy, aunts, uncles and his “many, many friends and neighbours,” according to his funeral details. He is predeceased by his grandfather Dick and uncle Richard.

The Carlow man’s funeral details are yet to be announced. Sinn Féin councillor Andy Gladney said: “There are no words that can console the family at this time or anytime of the year. My sincere condolences to his entire family.”

Fine Gael councillor Michael Doran said the entire community is “completely shocked” by what happened calling the incident “tragic”.

In a statement, gardaí confirmed that a man had been fatally injured during an incident.

"Gardaí were called to a firearms incident at a rural location near Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow, late yesterday evening, Tuesday.

“A male aged in his early 20s sustained fatal injuries. The scene is currently held for technical examination. Enquiries are ongoing and no further information is available at this time.”