Tributes paid after death of young Irishman in drowning tragedy in Portugal: ‘The most caring and genuine lad'
Dylan McCahey, who was in his early 20s, was on a short holiday break on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula when the tragic incident unfolded on Saturday.
Mr McCahey, who hailed from the Magercloone area of Co Monaghan, was a well-liked and familiar face in Magheracloone Service Station where locals have been poignantly paying their own respects to the affable former Ballynagearn National School pupil.
One of Mr McCahey's past teachers told of how she will always remember a pupil who was 'truly bright, kind-hearted and thoughtful' in every way.
They were soundings which were given further weight by a number of other locals who referenced Mr McCahey's likeable and amiable persona as a key member of staff in the local filling station, more colloquially known at Justin's.
'We are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden and untimely passing of Dylan we knew him from working in Justin's he always was a pleasant young man who was always smiling,' said one local couple.
That endearing demeanour were reflected by the sentiments of another local woman who spoke of how the tight-knit south Monaghan parish had been left numbed by the loss of the much admired biomedical science graduate.
'Dylan was amazing young lad with always a friendly smile,' she said.
'He will be so missed and many a good chat we had about football in the shop.'
News Catch Up - Wednesday 21 May
Another local woman said the young Monaghan man was someone who oozed warmth and kindness, virtues that were epitomised in every aspect of his daily life.
"(He was) the most kind, caring, genuine, happy lad, (who) always put a smile on everyone's faces,' she candidly wrote.
Local Cllr Colm Carthy said the legacy left by one of the locality's most inimitable and personable of characters would undeniably stand the test of time.
'Dylan was well known in the area, he was very well got by all his peers and by the community at large,' he told the Irish Independent.
'He was very popular in his local workplace, Magheracloone filling station and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this tragic and difficult time.'
A death notice on RIP.ie told of how the young Monaghan man has passed away 'tragically, whilst on holiday in Portugal'.
A post read: 'It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Dylan McCahey. Tonaneave, Magheracloone Co Monaghan, 17th May 2025, tragically, whilst on holiday in Portugal.
'Dylan, sadly missed and forever remembered with love by his heartbroken family; his parents PJ and Geraldine, his brother Alan and his sister Caitlin (Colin), his grannies Bridget McCahey and Teresa McPhillips, his uncles, aunts, cousins, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.'
A spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it had been made aware of the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and were providing consular assistance to his family.
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