The family of a young man who died in a lake in Co Tyrone has described him as a “loving and caring young man with a bright future ahead of him”.
Fiachra Ó Faoláin, from The Bantry, died after getting into difficulty in Carrick Lough – on the Carricklongfield Road between Aughnacloy and Benburb – on Saturday evening.
He was 21-years-old.
His body was recovered on Sunday morning.
Sinn Féin MLA, Colm Gildernew – an uncle of the deceased – said: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of our nephew Fiachra Ó Faoláin after a tragic accident in Carrick Lough on Saturday evening.
“Our immediate thoughts are with Fiachra’s mummy, our sister Fiona, daddy Shane and his siblings Dearbhla, Roisín, Méabh, Dáithí and Dualtách and the wider Ó Faoláin and Gildernew families at this immensely difficult time.
“Fiachra was a much loved, loving and caring young man with a bright future ahead of him and he will be remembered fondly by all who knew and loved him.
“On behalf of Fiachra’s family, and our wider family circle, I want to extend our sincerest thanks and gratitude to the emergency services for all of their efforts and support.
“As the family begins to process this devastating and unimaginable loss, I would 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 in a million Fiachra O Faoláin.
“May you rest in eternal peace darling, we will always miss you.”
Mr Ó Faoláin was the beloved son of Shane and Fiona (née Gildernew) and brother of Roisín, Méabh, his twin Dearbhla, Dáithí and Dualtách.
Dearly beloved grandchild of Phelim and Geraldine Gildernew and Eileen and the late Patsy Fullen RIP. Sadly missed by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
