Tributes to 'kind-hearted' Cork teenager who died after tragic fall in Kerry 

Darragh Byrne, aged 16 from Charleville, was climbing near a lake when he suffered fatal injuries in a suspected fall.

Darragh Byrne died following a suspected fall near a lake on the Conor Pass in Co Kerry. Picture: CBS Charleville/Facebook

A teenage boy who died following a suspected fall near a lake on the Conor Pass in Co Kerry has been named as Darragh Byrne, from Charleville, County Cork.

The 16-year-old was a pupil at CBS Secondary School in Charleville and had been visiting Kerry with his parents.

The tragedy occurred at An Chonair, a mountain pass that runs from Daingean Uí Chúis to the village of An Clochán on the northern side of the peninsula.

A garda spokesperson confirmed that emergency services responded to the incident on Tuesday.

“A post-mortem examination will take place in due course and a file prepared for the office of the coroner,” said the spokesperson.

It is understood the teenager set off to climb toward the lake, and when he did not return, his parents raised the alarm at about 3.30pm. Rescue services, including Dingle Cliff and Rescue, Kerry Mountain Rescue, and other emergency responders, were quickly on the scene, with the operation coordinated by Valentia Marine Rescue Station.

The Coast Guard helicopter located the boy’s body, and emergency assistance was administered at the scene — however, he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

Kerry Mountain Rescue’s Gerry Christie said multi-agency services responded quickly, and resuscitation efforts were made at the scene.

“This was a youth on the cusp of manhood, doing what young adventurous boys do. The scramble up to the lake was not particularly dangerous,” he said. “His injuries were consistent with a considerable fall. It is not known exactly what occurred as there were no witnesses.”

The boy’s body was removed to University Hospital Kerry, where an autopsy will be conducted.

Darragh's school, CBS Charleville, paid tribute, saying he will be deeply missed by his friends, his classmates, and school staff. 

"Darragh was a bright and uplifting presence in our school community — a gentle, kind-hearted, and considerate young person who radiated warmth and positivity. 

"Whether in the classroom, walking our corridors, or spending time with his friends, he left a meaningful and lasting impact. His generous nature, intelligence and talent inspired all who knew him."

The statement said he will be remembered with great affection and sorrow.

"Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with Darragh’s family — especially his parents James and Siobhán. We cannot imagine the depth of their grief, and as a school community, we will stand beside them with support and care in the days, weeks and months ahead.

"His memory will forever live on in our hearts and hallways."

A rescue helicopter on the Conor Pass. Picture: Domnick Walsh

Meanwhile, tributes have been paid to a young Irish tourist who died following a car crash on Bolivia’s salt flats.

Oisín Hoy, from Clontarf, Dublin, was travelling with seven others in a Toyota Land Cruiser on Friday when the vehicle overturned.

The family paid tribute to their “free-spirited Oisín” in a notice on the RIP.ie website.

“Our beautiful free-spirited Oisín has died after a car accident. He was living his life to the fullest on his Bolivian adventure,” read the note.

Clontarf GAA also paid tribute to the young man, describing him as a “hugely positive person” with a “trademark smile.”

“He is remembered by all who played with him or coached him as a hugely positive person,” the club said.