Tributes have been paid to a south Armagh teenager who died after falling off a cliff at one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations.
Lochlann Murray, who was from the Crossmaglen area, died on Friday after a fall at the Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare.
A rescue operation swung into action after a report that the teen had fallen onto rocks just above the shoreline at the famous beauty spot.
His body was not recovered until Sunday, after a specialist dive team arrived at the site from Co Monaghan.
In a social media post, the Rockcorry Divers and North Coast Search and Recovery group said they arrived at the cliffs at around 11.30am on Sunday, and located Lochlann’s body at around 3.30pm.
“The area below could not be seen from the top of the cliffs, but information was relayed via a drone,” a spokesperson said in the post.
“Poor weather conditions in recent days, along with the swell and large rocks, made the recovery very difficult. Falling debris from the face of the cliff was another hazard the dive team had to be aware of.”
The teen’s body was taken by a support vessel back to a Coast Guard station at nearby Doolin.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased at this very sad time,” the group added.
A death notice describes Lochlann as the “beloved son of Jodi and Kieran. Devoted brother of Hannah. Cherished grandson of Lochlann and Maeve Murray and Jean and the late Bill Viau.”
Lochlann was a member of Silverbridge GFC, and a spokesperson for the GAA club said in a statement “Our entire community are mourning the tragic death of Lochlann Murray.”
Lochlann Murray RIP Our entire community are mourning the tragic death of Lochlann Murray RIP. Our thoughts and prayers...
Posted by Silverbridge Gfc on Tuesday 9 July 2024
He was described as a member of the club’s minor squad, who had previously helped them win a club minor championship and an Under 16 league title.
“Lochlann was affectionately known to his friends and everyone around the club as Locky,” the spokesperson continued.
“Locky had a great sense of humour and an infectious smile, he always enjoyed the craic with his team mates and coaches.
“Anyone that knew Locky was very lucky, he made everyone feel valued, always acknowledging you if you met him. There are simply no words to describe the devastating loss of Lochlann, may he Rest in peace.”
They added that all club activities in the days ahead have been suspended in the wake of the tragedy.
Crossmaglen-based Newry Mourne and Down Sinn Féin councillor Aoife Finnegan wrote in a tribute: “Sincere condolences to the family and friends. Sending deepest love and support. Rest in peace Lochlann.”
In a post, McEntee’s butchers in Crossmaglen said Lochlann was “our valued customer who we loved seeing coming in and out regularly, he always had a smile on his face”.
Eirinn McArdle wrote: “Rest in peace Lochlann, such a lovely and wonderfully kind neighbour to grow up alongside.”
Colleague Sean McKenna wrote: “RIP Locky. Such a great lad. Will be sorely missed on site by all his work mates.”
A funeral service will take place on Thursday at St Brigid’s Church in Glassdrummond, Co Armagh, before burial at Creggan Cemetery.
The tragedy follows the death of a Belgian woman aged in her 20s in a fall at the Cliffs of Moher in May.
