The funeral Mass of Stephen O’Callaghan, who lost his life attempting to save a group of children from drowning at Inch Beach in Co Cork, was a testament to his bravery. Mr O’Callaghan, a resident of Montenotte’s Ashburton Hill in Cork city, had rushed into the sea around 3pm on Friday. He helped to save four minors, but tragically lost his life to swift currents.
Mr O’Callaghan, age 55, was honoured at his funeral, which took place on Wednesday at 1pm. The service was conducted in O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home, North Gate Bridge, Cork city, and followed the Tridentine Mass, known traditionally as the Latin Mass. Fr Joseph Ortolano praised Mr O’Callaghan’s heroism, urging those in attendance to remember his valorous act as a symbol of honour for the O’Callaghan family.
Returning his esteem, the Irish Customs, where Mr O’Callaghan was formerly employed, provided a guard of honour. Afterwards, the burial took place at St Finbarr’s cemetery in Cork city. The bereaved O’Callaghan family invited mourners to make donations to the RNLI instead of giving flowers.
An inquest is slated to begin in due course, following a report having been forwarded to the Cork Coroner. The previous Friday’s search and rescue mission wrapped up a breadth of teams from coast guard units in Guileen and Crosshaven, RNLI units in Ballycotton and Crosshaven, and the Waterford-based Rescue Helicopter 117 who were all dispatched to Inch Beach.
Survived by his heartbroken family- parents John and Kathleen, and siblings Katrina, Keith, Mary, and Emmet-, the valiant Mr O’Callaghan is deeply mourned by his loved ones and a vast network of friends. His meaningful friendships and the memory of his heroic actions will be forever cherished.