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The Irish Sun

Heartbreaking first picture of ‘lovely' man, 41, who drowned at popular Cork fishing spot as pals pay tribute to ‘gem'

A "LOVELY soul" who went swimming after a fishing trip to the River Blackwater yesterday lost his life doing what he loved most, fishing. Simon O'Connell, aged 41 and from Meelaherragh, Kanturk in Co Advertisement The alarm was raised shortly after this and emergency services including The body was later His body was then removed to A file is also being prepared for the Coroner's Court in North Cork and an inquest will take place at a later date. Advertisement READ MORE IRISH NEWS Funeral arrangements have been announced as his heartbroken family prepare for their final farewell.. Simon is the son of James and Nancy and brother of James and Barry. He is sadly missed by his family, uncles, aunts, nephews Jamie and Danny, niece Isla, relative and friends. His Requiem Mass takes place tomorrow at 10.30am in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kanturk followed by his funeral afterwards to the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy. Advertisement MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN The family have asked for their home, where Simon will be resting, to be private. Urgent warning for Irish parents as RNLI issues major water safety advice ahead of school holidays In messages of condolence one friend said 'Simon buddy you will be sadly missed by everyone. You were a gem, a good ole soul and great fun. Loved your music, really just a good friend to everyone'. Another wrote 'What a lovely soul, shared so many good times with ya, may you sleep easy pal'. And another said 'So sorry to hear of the death of Simon, what a gifted man.' Advertisement This is the fourth drowning incident in Ireland over the past two weeks. WATER TRAGEDIES On May 10, Emmanuel Familola and Matt Sibanda sadly passed away after On May 17, Alan Singh, from Ballisodare in Co Alan was Advertisement New figures show that 78 people drowned nationwide last year. And Water Safety Ireland has appealed to the public to understand the risks, warning that a third of summer drowning take place in June. Chair of Water Safety Ireland, Clare McGrath, said: "Ireland is currently enjoying warmer weather, however our waterways are still quite cold. "Please don't underestimate the risk of cold water or overestimate your ability to swim in cooler open waters that have hidden currents. Advertisement "Swim in areas that are traditionally known to be safe, stay within your depth and supervise children closely.' 1 Simon O'Connell was an avid fisherman Credit: