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Fisherman Cathal laid to rest
13.05.11
THE funeral took place
this morning of Culdaff fisherman Cathal McDaid who
fell overboard while fishing in stormy weather off
the Mayo coast on Tuesday morning.
The 37 year old's tragic death has left the McDaid
family devastated coming after the drowning of his
two uncles, Danny and Francis McDaid, in 2008.
The alarm was raised around 10am, but it is believed
the young fisherman was dead by the time he was
recovered from the water.
The Malin Head Coast Guard also assisted in Cathal’s
recovery. He was later pronounced dead at Sligo
General Hospital.
Local parish priest Fr Jim McGonigle said the family
were “absolutely shattered” when they returned from
Sligo Hospital on Tuesday night.
“The family are devastated, but they are a very
closely knit family. They have another son and a
daughter, Margot and Patrick, and they all have a
very close bond which they’ll need now.”
Fr McGonigle described the accident as “tragic
irony” as he revealed that Cathal was not supposed
to be on the boat, the Mark Amay II. He was taking
the place of another lad who wasn’t able to go on
that particular trip. |
The local priest said
these occurrences happen far too often, but said it
was “in their blood” and unfortunately it goes with
the territory.
Fr McGonigle said it is a “big consolation” to the
family that his body was recovered so quickly to
bring “closure to what has happened.”
Local councillor Bernard McGuinness, who knows the
family personally, says they are devastated with
this latest tragedy. |
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The late Cathal McDaid. |
“It has come as a
terrible shock to everyone in their family and the
community as a whole. Cathal was a popular fella
about Culdaff and this is completely unexpected.
“He had recently returned home from America where he
fished for seven years, so he was an extremely
experienced fisherman, but unfortunately these
accidents happen.”
Despite being in shock, Cllr McGuinness said the
community are rallying behind the family and doing
everything they could to support the McDaids at this
sad time.
“The family are just trying to come to terms with
this tragedy and the community are doing everything
they can to support them."
Cllr McGuinness added: “Cathal’s two uncles died in
another fishing accident a couple of years ago and
now the family have to deal with losing a son, it is
very difficult.
“The Glengad fishing community has been hit year in
and year out and unfortunately it is part and parcel
of a fisherman’s life.” The mystery surrounding the
deaths of Danny and Francis off Inishowen Head in
March three years ago, is now the subject of an
investigation by Derry’s coroner court. |
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