MORE than £60,000 has been raised for a charity helping to bring home the remains of a young Co Down sportsman who died in Sydney.
Clonduff GAC footballer and hurler Lorcán Branagan (26) from Hilltown was reported missing after a night out last weekend, with his body recovered from the harbour on March 25 after an extensive search and rescue operation.
It followed the death of his brother Peárce (23), also a senior hurler for Clonduff, from a cardiomyopathy in 2018.
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust has been assisting the family to bring Lorcán home, with friends and family donating generously towards the organisation.
At the request of his parents, Lorcán’s uncle Mark Hollywood set up the JustGiving page in memory of the “immensely talented” player with nearly £65,000 raised by Tuesday.
“Our loss of Lorcán is immeasurable, the pain is indescribable, and we know he is simply irreplaceable,” he wrote.
“The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust has helped the family navigate the intricacies of returning him back to the Co Down and we’d like you to help support the amazing work they do, at this exceptionally difficult time.”
He continued: “If you can help by donating to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, however small or big, it is massively appreciated by our family and by this wonderful charity. It’s the number none of us ever thought we’d have to ring, but we are so grateful for their help at this traumatic time for our family.”
Prayer services have already been held in Hilltown and in Australia as the arrangements for his funeral service are still being made, while Clonduff GAC has arranged for bereavement counselling sessions to be held at the club on Wednesday evening.
Last week, Lorcán’s sister Caitlin led the many tributes to her brother.
“It’s difficult to put into words how simply amazing Lorcán was. I truly admired him throughout my life - particularly his sense of drive, hard work and ability to light up a room with his infectious smile and laugh,” she wrote.
“Oh what I would give to hear it just one more time. It breaks my heart how you were taken in such tragic circumstances and my heart goes out to his girlfriend Shona and all our cousins who are currently out in Australia. Your strength is commendable.”
She also remembered the courageous way he faced the loss of their brother in 2018.
“They had a bond that was like no other and a love for one another that was indescribable,” she said.
“Lorcán showed incredible strength during this time and the way he composed himself throughout was truly admirable to all. Our family feels a sense of comfort to know you are both united again.”
