‘True hero’ laid to rest

A Cork hero who died after going to the aid of young people at an East Cork beach has been laid to rest.

Stephen O'Callaghan (55) of Ashburton Hill in Montenotte, Cork city, died on Friday after he entered the water to help a number of young people who had got into difficulty at Inch strand near Midleton.

Four people were safely rescued from the water; however, Mr O’Callaghan was taken from the water in a serious condition and was later pronounced dead at CUH.

Mr O’Callaghan was laid to rest on Wednesday, at St Finbarr’s Cemetery following a Latin requiem mass at O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home.

Taking to social media, his heartbroken mum, Kathleen, paid tribute to her son, writing: “This is my son Stephen O’Callaghan who lost his life in saving two young boys. May God and his mother Mary watch over you Stephen, I love you. Your broken-hearted mother.”

Many tributes have poured in for Mr O’Callaghan, with one person writing on Rip.ie: “My deepest condolences to the O'Callaghan family. Stephen sacrificed his own life so that others may continue to live theirs. His selfless act of heroism should never be forgotten.”

Another wrote: “Condolences to the O'Callaghan family on the tragic loss of Stephen. A hero who lost his own life to save others.”

“A true hero, may you rest in peace,” wrote another.

Mr O’Callaghan leaves behind parents John and Kathleen, and siblings Katrina, Keith, Mary, and Emmet, as well as nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, brothers-in-law Kevin and Don, sister-in-law Sinead, relatives, and a large circle of friends. Those who wish to pay tribute to Mr O’Callaghan have been encourage to donate to the RNLI via rnli.org.