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A young backpacker found dead in Sydney Harbor after a night out with friends had tragically lost his brother to a fatal heart attack six years ago.
Lorcán Branagan, 26, was last seen in Darling Harbor’s King Street Wharf at around 3.30am on Sunday after partying with friends at Bungalow 8 nightclub.
His body was located in the water by police divers on Monday afternoon, while investigations into his death are ongoing and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
His death is the second heartbreaking blow for his family in Northern Ireland after the death of his brother Peárce, 23, from a suspected heart attack in June 2018.
Following his brother’s death, Mr. Branagan had often participated in cardiomyopathy fundraising events in memory of his beloved brother.
Lorcán Branagan’s family (pictured right) has been affected by the loss of a second brother and a son, following the death of 23-year-old Peárce (pictured left) due to a cardiac incident in June 2018.
Lorcán Branagan was enjoying a night out at the popular beachfront restaurant Bungalow 8 before his body was found in the water nearby.
Branagan’s sister Caitlin shared a heartbreaking tribute for her brother, adding that the family is comforted that the siblings will now be reunited.
“Lorcán truly lived his life to the fullest,” he began.
‘Losing our brother Peárce in 2018 was a difficult moment for our entire family circle, but especially for our Lorcán. He and Peárce were inseparable. They had a bond like no other and an indescribable love for each other.
‘Lorcán showed incredible strength during this time and the way he composed himself was truly admirable for everyone.
“Our family is comforted knowing that they are both together again.”
He also paid tribute to his partner Shona, as well as his family based in Australia.
“It breaks my heart how you were taken away in such tragic circumstances and my heart goes out to his girlfriend Shona and all our cousins who are currently in Australia,” he said.
Lorcán Branagan (pictured right) lived in Sydney before his death over the weekend.
In a tribute to her brother posted on social media, Lorcán’s sister Caitlín (pictured right) described him as a “true gentleman who was full of joy and loved everything life had to offer.” .
Lorcan and his partner Shona moved to Australia from the North Island.
In a statement from Clonduff GAC (Gaelic Sports Club), a spokesperson said: “Lorcán left for a winter stay in Australia in November 2023 and was due to return home to play for the club in the coming weeks.”
“Our club and community are absolutely devastated by the loss of a wonderful young man who represented our club with great distinction.”
Branagan was also a beloved member of Young Ireland GAA Sydney, and the football club also shared a touching tribute to their teammate.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved member, Lorcán Branagan,” read the tribute posted on Facebook.
Friends will gather for a memorial service at Mary Immaculate Church in Waverley on Wednesday evening.