Midlands 103

Search

Listen Live

On Air Now

Midnight - 6:30am

The Late Night Mix

Sam Fender

Seventeen Going Under

Double Drowning Described As 'Tragic Beyond Belief'

Friday, 5 August 2022 15:24

Photo credit: Facebook - Lecarrow Lazers Cycling Club

The victims were from Ballybay in Athlone.

A double drowning in Co Kerry has been described as 'tragic beyond belief'.

50-year-old Dessie Byrne, who is from Lecarrow in Co Roscommon, drowned at Men's Beach in Ballybunion shortly after 6 o'clock yesterday evening.

His sister, 62-year-old Muriel Eriksson, who was living in Sweden, was discovered in the water shortly afterwards and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The family had been holidaying in Kerry at the time and Dessie's son was at the beach when the tragedy occurred.

Roscommon councillor Laurence Fallon says the local community is reeling:

Muriel was discovered in the water but was pronounced dead at the scene.
Kerryman Journalist Sinead Kelleher says Dessie’s teenage son witnessed what happened:

Gerard O’Flynn from the Irish Coast Guard is appealing for caution in the water and says yesterday’s conditions weren’t particularly dangerous:

Lecarrow Lazers Cycling Club has also been paying tribute to their dear friend and club mate Dessie Byrne and his sister Muriel. They are extending their sympathies to Dessie's family, relatives and friends.

All Club activities have been cancelled for this weekend.

More from Midlands News

Gardaí Begin Murder Investigation After Child And Woman Dies In Offaly House Fire

Investigators believe the fire was caused deliberately.
Ashling Murphy Murder "Wrongly Accused" Granted Bail Over Theft Charge

Radu Floricel’s solicitor has been outlining his struggles with mental health since 2022.
Young Boy And Woman Killed In Offaly House Fire

The incident took place shortly before 8pm on Saturday night.
Laois Makeup Artist Warns Of Expired Suncream Dangers

6 in 10 people are willing to ignore the "open jar" symbol on packaging in new findings by the HPRA.
Lynx and Wolves In Ireland Pose Minimal Threat - Offaly Biodiversity

A new study shows only 32% of 10 to 11 year olds want lynx back in Irish habitats.
€4.5m Going To Midlands Suckler Farmers

It's part of the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme.
Westmeath Writer Nominated Posthumously For Award

Manchán Magan’s last book published weeks before his death.
Seven Midlands Hotels Nominated For Gold Medal Hotel Awards

Hotels across Laois, Offaly and Westmeath have secured a collective 23 nominations.
Cabinet Approves Major Expansion Of Midlands Garda HQ And Prison

250 new prison places are set to be added.
Memorial Day Honouring Ashling Murphy Takes Place In Offaly

The event kicks off at 10am in the Bridge Centre in Tullamore tomorrow.
Midlands Town Left Shocked After Death Of Young Woman

Mullingar's Annmarie Alice McLoughlin passed away on Wednesday.
Concerns Highlighted On Drones Spotted Ahead Of Zelenskyy Visit

Defence expert, Mullingar's Declan Power believes it's troubling ahead of Ireland's EU Presidency next year.
€6m Westmeath Lotto Jackpot Winner Comes Forward

Arrangements are now in place for the winner to collect their prize fund.
Israel’s Participation Sparks Eurovision Withdrawals From Ireland And Others

More countries could potentially join them.
Teachers Union Calls For More Permanent Posts Amid Recruitment Challenges

The cost of living crisis is one of the major reasons for the call.
Offaly Garda To Receive Bronze Medal And Bravery Award

Offaly Garda David Nolan will be the recipient.
Laois TD Questions Effectiveness Of Utilities Commission In Regulating Uisce Éireann

Deputy Sean Fleming is raising the concerns.
€6m Lotto Jackpot Ticket Sold In Mullingar

The winner is the 9th Lotto winner of the year.
Grinch Themed Late Late Toy Show Lights Up the Midlands

Late Late Toy Show takes place this evening.
Strong Friday Winds Forecast

Ireland's Weather Channel is predicting potentially dangerous travelling conditions.

Download Our App

Never miss a moment from Midlands 103