Damien McGuinness, a 55-year-old man from Church Road in Killybegs, County Donegal, died after getting into difficulty in the water off Castletownbere Pier in West Cork on Saturday evening, according to local reports. The incident occurred at approximately 5.30pm, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
Emergency Response and Investigation at Castletownbere Pier
Gardaí, emergency services personnel, and members of the Castletownbere Coastguard—the local RNLI lifeboat—attended the scene following the alarm. After being removed from the water, McGuinness was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was subsequently transported to the mortuary at Cork University Hospital.
An autopsy is scheduled to be carried out in due course, and a file is being prepared for the coroner, according to authorities. The incident unfolded as the area welcomed large crowds for a regional event.
Did You Know? Castletownbere is currently hosting its popular Festival of the Sea, an event that began on Friday and runs through Saturday, August 8, drawing numerous visitors to the coastal location.
Family Mourns Following County Donegal Man’s Death
A notice shared on RIP.ie on Sunday confirmed the passing of the Killybegs man. The public notice expressed grief from his surviving relatives: “Predeceased by his father Peter. Sadly missed by his mother Susan, sister Claire, brother Seamus, beloved nieces Lauryn and Lara, aunty, uncle, cousins, friends and neighbours,” the notice states.
Funeral details have not yet been announced. Local officials and emergency responders continue to process the file for the coroner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the man involved in the Castletownbere incident?
He has been named locally as Damien McGuinness, aged 55, from Church Road in Killybegs, County Donegal.
When and where did the incident occur?
The incident took place in the water off Castletownbere Pier in West Cork on Saturday at approximately 5.30pm.
What is happening next regarding the investigation?
An autopsy will be carried out at the mortuary at Cork University Hospital, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
What measures can coastal communities take to enhance water safety during large public festivals?
Worth a look