A father of two from Castlebar, Co Mayo, died in a diving tragedy off the north Connemara coast yesterday as strong winds and heavy rain showers lashed the area.
Gerry Deane, who was in his early 50s, from Knight's Park, Castlebar, was diving with a number of colleagues in the Killary Harbour area when he got into difficulties.
His colleagues raised the alarm when he failed to surface.
Mr Deane was a keen fisherman as well as a diver.
Cloud over celebrations
As well as outdoor sports, he was also actively involved in the activities of Castlebar Rugby Club.
He is survived by his wife, Teresa and a son and a daughter, Mark and Ann Marie.
News of the tragedy reached Castlebar just as locals were beginning to celebrate the town’s victory over Breaffy in the senior GAA football county final.
"This has certainly cast a cloud over any celebrations," Michael Kilcoyne, a member of Castlebar Town Council, said.
“The fact that Gerry buried his own mother about six weeks ago makes it all the worse for his family.”
Pride and attention
Mr Deane was a member of the outdoor staff of Castlebar Town Council and was well known for the pride and attention he gave to his work.
The monthly town council meeting, scheduled for Marsh House, Castlebar, tomorrow night will be adjourned as a result of the tragedy.
After the body was recovered from the water yesterday it was taken to University College Hospital, Galway, for a postmortem examination.