A YOUNG man who died in hospital a few days after he fell from an upper storey of student accommodation was a “gift beyond measure” for his family, his funeral heard.
Second year Munster Technological University student Darragh McCarthy, 21, from Carrigagour, Midleton in Co Cork died in hospital last Tuesday.
He was taken to CUH after he fell from the Eden Hall complex in Model Farm Road in the city at around 4am on March 6.
The incident is being treated as an accident.
His father Niall told mourners at the Church of the Most Holy Rosary in Midleton today that his son sustained “catastrophic injuries” from which there was “no hope” of recovery.
And poignantly, he noted that Darragh was weighed in hospital twice in his life — at birth and in his final days.
Niall said: “Our Darragh was born on the 07/07/2003.
“He first weighed in a beautiful baby boy at 7lbs 6oz and he was measured at 53 centimetres.
“The second time Darragh was weighed in in hospital was last week.
“He came in at 6ft 2 inches and a 101kg. A fine cut of a young fella.”
Niall told mourners how Darragh was a “gift beyond measure” for his family because of his zest for life and his good nature
Hailing Darragh as “easy-going, placid, good-natured and kind”, Niall said: “We didn’t have too many tantrums or teenage dramas as he had a steady and relaxed calm way about him.
“He never gave us reason to worry. His signature shoulder squeezes were just what everyone needed after a stressful day.”
‘ULTIMATE LOSS’
Niall described the death of a child as the “ultimate loss which should not befall any family.”
He added: “We are absolutely heartbroken. Our lives and our family will never be the same again.
“We are grateful to have had the years we had with Darragh.”
‘ZEST FOR LIFE’
Addressing those gathered, Fr Mark Hehir said that Darragh was a “confident and charming young man” who had a real “zest for life.”
Fr Hehir stated that Darragh embraced college life and loved sport.
Speaking to Darragh’s girlfriend Sophie, Fr Hehir said the couple had found love together and that he would always have a special place in her heart.
Offertory gifts included a pair of swimming shorts, a key for a golf buggy — a “perk” of his part-time job at Fota Island Resort, a picture of Darragh with his beloved dogs, and a GAA medal.
Darragh is survived by his parents Niall and Aoife and his siblings Aisling and Niall Og.
Darragh was laid to rest today[/caption]
