Fiachra Ó Faoláin Co Tyrone: Young man killed in Lake NI incident is nephew of MP Colm Gildernew as family pays tribute

Sinn Fein MP Colm Gildernew, Mr Ó Faoláin's uncle, confirmed his nephew's death in the tragic incident, issuing a statement on behalf of the extended family.

“It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of our nephew Fiachra Ó Faoláin after a tragic accident at Carrick Lough on Saturday evening,” he said.

“Our immediate thoughts are with Fiachra's mum, our sister Fiona, dad Shane and his siblings Dearbhla, Roisín, Méabh, Dáithí and Dualtách and the wider Ó Faoláin and Gildernew families at this extremely difficult time.

“Fiachra was a much loved, loving and caring young man with a bright future ahead of him and will be remembered fondly by all who knew and loved him.

“On behalf of Fiachra’s family and our wider family circle, I would like to express our sincerest thanks and gratitude to the emergency services for all their efforts and support.

“As the family begins to come to terms with this devastating and unimaginable loss, I urge the media to respect their request for privacy at this time. »

Former Sinn Fein Fermanagh-South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew also posted a tribute, adding: “We lost our funny, rebellious, kind and generous nephew today. You were one Fiachra O Faoláin in a million.

“May you rest in eternal peace darling, we will always miss you. »

An article on Funeral Times described his death as an “accident” and Mr Ó Faoláin as the “much-loved grandchild of Phelim and Geraldine Gildernew and Eileen and the late Patsy Fullen”.

The post said he was “dearly missed by his many aunts, uncles, cousins ​​and friends” and that funeral arrangements would follow.

It is understood Mr Ó Faoláin, aged in his 20s, entered the water shortly after 11pm on Saturday June 1 and got into difficulty.

A search operation involving police, NIFRS and community search and rescue volunteers was immediately launched and his body was found on Sunday.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police will investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and a post-mortem will take place in due course, but at this time the death is not being treated as suspicious.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.”

Catch-up news: Wednesday May 29, 2024