Tributes paid to Ballinagh man who drowned in Australia

The communities of Ballinagh and Crosserlough and the Irish community in London are mourning the loss of a young Cavan man who drowned in off a beach near the Great Barrier Reef Australia on New Year's Eve.

Sean Keaney (35) from Derrin Lower, Ballinagh, lost his life following the accident at the popular Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island at around 11am on Wednesday, ahead of New Year’s celebrations getting under way.

Emergency services were called to the scene after Mr Keaney was found unresponsive in the water, local Australian news outlets reported.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the incident and “stands ready to provide consular assistance”.

Sean had been living in Hanwell, London, in recent years and was heavily involved with Tara GFC there having transferred from Crosserlough GFC.

He was a player on the Tara team that won the Intermediate Championship in 2025.

Sean is the son of Bridie and the late Charlie. Sean is also survive by his heart broken siblings - Cathriona, Fiona, Breda, Katie, Matt, Cathal and Thomas.

In a tribute online, Tara GFC said that Sean had spent an "incredible four years with our club, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met".

It continued: "We were incredibly lucky to have Sean by our side as we celebrated last year’s & this year’s Championship victories, as well as the All Britain titles.

"A man always found on the dance floor with smile that could light up a room & a laugh that could warm your heart. Sean will be unbelievably missed by us all.

"On behalf of the Tara men, ladies & youth, we extend our deepest condolences to the Keaney family, extended family & friends."

London GAA also expressed their condolences online.

Sean's death notice has been published on rip.ie though funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed.