Tributes paid to 'all-rounder' Dylan McCahey

The young graduate passed away in Portugal at the weekend

The death has occurred in Portugal of a young man from Magheracloone near Shercock, Dylan McCahey.

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed his passing at the weekend.

It’s believed the 22-year-old from Magheracloone, Shercock died in a swimming accident while on holiday on Saturday.

A death notice for the local man describes his “heartbroken” family’s “profound sadness” as they await a post mortem in Portugal before being able to repatriate his body home to Ireland.

The former Patrician High School pupil went on to graduate with a degree in Biomedical Science from Maynooth University.

He played football for his school reaching the final of the Rannafast Cup in 2015 and his home club of Magheracloone Mitchells who have posted their “heartfelt condolences” to the McCahey family.

Dylan leaves behind his parents Geraldine who is originally from Shercock and PJ; brother Alan and sister Caitlin McCahey.

Dylan is also the nephew of well-known local musician, Brendan McCahey.

Alan McCahey has posted a touching message to his brother which simply reads: “Fly high bud there are no words, life will never be the same until we meet again”.

Principal of Dylan's fomer school, The patrician High School, Carrickmacross told the Celt the school paid tribute to their past pupil after they received the tragic news on Saturday during the sixth year graduation ceremony.

Sean Rafferty had this to say about the "lovely chap" who was an "all-rounder" during his time there: "Dylan was held in very high regard by the teachers here for whom his death is still very raw because he only left us in 2018.

"He got on with everyone in the school, he had a good circle of friends, and was a gentle, quiet guy who was good academically as well as socially and was a sportsman throughout his time here, too.

"We had a particularly good relationship with his mother, Geraldine, who was very proud of her two boys and, in particular, Dylan's academic success."

Other well-wishers describe Dylan McCahey as “an amazing person” and “a lovely pleasant fellow”.

Funeral arrangements for Dylan have not been confirmed yet as a post mortem is expected to be carried out in Portugal today.

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust is working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and local undertakers to plan Dylan’s return to Magheracloone, possibly by early next week.