Sister recalls ‘simply amazing’ Lorcán after death in Australia

​Lorcán Branagan, 26, was reported missing on Sunday night after visiting Bungalow8, a club on King St Wharf.

Police in Sydney said that a 26-year-old man was reported missing to police at Mascot Police Station at about 6pm on Sunday.

“Officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident,” officers said in a statement.

“The man was last seen near a licensed premises at Barangaroo about 3.30am on Sunday.

“Following extensive inquiries and a multi-agency search with assistance from Marine Area Command and PolAir, the body of a man was located in the water at about 12.45pm on Monday, March 25.

“While the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the 26-year-old man.

“A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.”

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Fund is helping to bring Lorcán home from Australia.

Lorcán's passing in Australia is a second tragedy for his family. His brother, Peárse, died in 2018 aged 23 from a suspected heart attack.

Their sister, Caitlín, posted on social media to say it was “difficult to put into words how simply amazing Lorcán was.

"I truly admired him throughout my life - particularly his sense of drive, hard work and ability to light up a room with his infectious smile and laugh. Oh what I would give to hear it just one more time.”

Caitlín added that Peárce’s death was a difficult time for our entire famiy circle - but especially for Lorcán.

"Him and Peárce were inseparable,” she said.

"They had a bond that was like no other and a love for one another that was indescribable. Lorcán showed incredible strength during this time and the way he composed himself throughout was truly admirable to all. Our family feels a sense of comfort to know you are both united again.

"Lorcán was someone who you could easily admire. He was an amazing individual who had a big heart and was always there to lend a helping hand to a friend.”

Lorcán was a member of Clonduff GAC, who announced his death “with a very heavy heart”.

A club statement said, “A very talented dual player for our club, Lorcán left for a winter in Australia in November 2023 and was due to return home for club playing duty in the coming weeks.

“Our club and community are absolutely devastated at the loss of a wonderful, young gentleman who represented our club with great distinction.

“It is even more difficult to comprehend this tragic news, given the untimely passing of Lorcán's older brother Peárce, our senior hurler, in June 2018.

“Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with Lorcán’s family: his father Tony, mother Terri, brother Padráig, sister Caitlín and her partner Lorcán, niece Ríona and the wider Branagan & Hollywood family circle.

"We also extend our thoughts to Lorcán’s girlfriend Shona and his teammates and friends both at home and in Australia.

“Mary Queen of the Gael pray for him. Ár dheis Dé go riabh a anam.”

Funeral arrangements had not been confirmed at the time of writing but a prayer service was due to be held last night (Tuesday) at St John’s Ballymaghery, Hilltown.