Thoughts of grieving fiancée with second man

THE heartbroken fiancée of one of two brave men who drowned saving two swimmers, is praying for the recovery of the second victim.

Anne Riordan was due to marry Peter O’Keeffe next February.

But, last night, she was helping with preparations for his funeral in Cork on Friday.

Anne watched in horror on Sunday as her fiancé and 22-year-old student Jonathan Herlihy, from Glanmire, were swept out to sea from Owenahincha beach in West Cork.

Both men dashed into the water and saved the lives of Cliona Murphy and Lee Fuller, who were struggling in the water.

Peter’s body was recovered from the sea off Owenahincha beach on Tuesday.

Jonathan’s body has not yet been found.

Their bravery touched the hearts of the nation.

While searches continued yesterday for Jonathan’s body, the O’Keeffe family, from Ballincollig, were preparing to bury Peter.

Ms Riordan, originally from Bandon and who works with the Irish Heart Foundation, was said to be too upset to talk publicly about her loss.

A source close to the family said Anne was completely heartbroken and devastated by her loss.

She said Anne, while grieving the loss of her fiancé, was also praying for the recovery of Jonathan’s body.

She also said Anne hoped that people would learn from the tragedy to respect the sea.

Peter’s remains will be removed from O’Connor’s Funeral Home in Wilton at 7pm tomorrow evening and will be taken to the Church of St Mary and St John in Ballincollig.

Family friend Fr Jim Donovan will celebrate Requiem Mass at 11am on Friday.

Peter will be buried beside his late mother, Peg, in St Oliver’s Cemetery.