A man who died tragically on Sunday after he got into difficulty while swimming in Cork has been named locally as Declan Newman.
The man in his 50s is believed to have suffered from a heart attack while out in Lough Hyne, near Skibbereen.
He was spotted in the water by fellow swimmers who raced to help him when they realised he was having trouble.
A rescue effort attended the scene made up of the air ambulance, firefighters, and Gardai. CPR was carried out but a short time later, at 12:45 pm, he was pronounced dead.
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Mr. Newman was well-known in the community for founding the Lough Hynes Lappers swimming club over 15 years ago, which now has over 150 members.
According to the Irish Independent, the father of two had fundraised for a defibrillator to be placed on-site, and it was used by club members in an attempt to resuscitate him.
But after all efforts sadly failed, his body was removed to Cork University Hospital, where a post-mortem will be carried out and a file prepared by gardaí for the Coroner's Court.
In the aftermath of the tragic incident, Declan has been described as a “fabulous friend” who always "had the craic."
Local charity swim organisers, BISRA Gaddinabtgarnish, took to social media to commemorate their friend and wrote: “Yesterday we sadly lost a fabulous friend who has supported our swim for many years and organised the Lough Hyne Lappers in great numbers to participate and have the craic.
“May you Rest in Peace Declan Newman.”
Details of Mr. Newman’s funeral service have yet to be confirmed. He is survived by two children in their 20s - his son Killian, and daughter Naoise.
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