Cork man drowns on holiday in Morocco

Tributes were paid today to a young Cork man who drowned while on holiday in Morocco.

Alan Buckley, aged 35, died on New Year’s Eve in a tragic drowning accident.

A son of Declan Buckley, who owns the Marina Bar, in Cork city, Alan was remembered today as a popular and genuine man.

He split his time between Béal na Bláth and Cork city, where he ran The Viscount bar in Bishopstown.

A keen sportsman, he played football with Kilmurry GAA and hurling with Cloughduv GAA Hurling Club.

Chairman of Kilmurry GAA, Teddy Hartnett led tributes today, describing Alan as a “nice and genuine lad, who was very popular with his teammates.”

“Alan played with Kilmurry underage teams and played as recently as November in the B League semi-final against Éire Óg.

“He was the most dedicated player we’ve ever had in the club. He would drive from Dublin for a challenge game.”

He said the entire club and community were shocked and saddened and he expressed his sympathies to Alan’s family.

As a mark of respect following the tragedy, Cloughduv Hurling Club postponed their annual puc fada on New Year’s Day.

Chairman Denis O’Leary said: “Alan was a fabulous club man. You could always depend on him.

“He was on the team that contested the Junior A League mid-Cork final just two weeks ago.”

“It is a tragic loss and he will be sorely missed,” Denis added.

He was also a leading member of the team that won the B Mid-Cork hurling championship in 2008 and 2009.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to the Buckley family.

This story courtesy of the Evening Echo