- Lorcán Branagan, 26, from Northern Ireland, was last seen on Sunday morning
- He was due to head back to his home in Hilltown in the coming weeks
- The tragedy is the second for the Branagan family after his brother died in 2018
A British backpacker’s body has been pulled from Sydney Harbour after he vanished during a night out clubbing with friends.
Lorcán Branagan, 26, from Carcullion in County Down, Northern Ireland, was last seen at Darling Harbour’s King Street Wharf at around 3.30am on Sunday while partying with pals at the Bungalow 8 nightclub.
He was reported missing 15 hours later, at around 6pm on Sunday, with authorities from New South Wales’ Aviation Command and the marine command launching a double air and water search.
Police divers located Branagan’s body in the water in Barangaroo, central Sydney, on Monday.
He had moved to Sydney in November to spend the summer in Australia with friends, and was set to head back to his home in Northern Ireland, in the coming weeks.
Branagan’s sister Caitlin paid tribute to her brother on social media.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Caitlin described her heartbreak, praising his ‘sense of drive, hard work and ability to light up a room with his infectious smile and laugh’.
‘Oh what I would give to hear it just one more time. It breaks my heart how you were taken in such tragic circumstances and my heart goes out to his girlfriend Shona and all our cousins who are currently out in Australia. Your strength is commendable,’ she wrote.
‘Lorcán truly lived his life to the fullest.’
The tragedy is the second for the Branagan family after the death of Branagan’s brother, Peárce, in 2018.
Peárce had died aged 23 after suffering a suspected heart attack.
‘Losing our brother Peárce was a difficult time for our entire family circle – but especially for our Lorcán,’ Caitlin said.
‘He and Peárce were inseparable. They had a bond that was like no other and an indescribable love for one another.
‘Lorcán showed incredible strength during this time and the way he composed himself throughout was truly admirable to all.
‘Our family feels a sense of comfort to know you are both united again,’ she said.
‘The number of places he visited was unbelievable for his young age. Over 10 countries since turning 18 and undertook opportunities to spent summers in China, Asia and North America. His last travel destination was Australia.’
Branagan played for the Young Ireland Gaelic Athletic Association football club while living in Sydney, with his teammates posting a tribute on social media.
‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our cherished member, Lorcán Branagan,’ the tribute said.
‘Lorcán’s unexpected departure has left us all reeling with shock and profound sorrow.
‘Since joining our club this football season, Lorcán has made an indelible impression both on and off the pitch.
‘His talent, enthusiasm, and kindness endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him.’
He was also a senior player with Gaelic football club Clonduff GAC back home in Northern Ireland, who paid touching tribute to the late sportsman.
In a statement from Clonduff GAC, a spokesperson said: ‘A very talented dual player for our club, Lorcán left for a winter in Australia in November 2023 and was due to return home for club playing duty in the coming weeks.
‘Our club and community are absolutely devastated at the loss of a wonderful, young gentleman who represented our club with great distinction.
‘Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with Lorcán’s family: his father Tony, mother Terri, brother Padráig, sister Caitlín and her partner Lorcán, niece Ríona and the wider Branagan family circle. We also extend our thoughts to Lorcán’s girlfriend Shona and his teammates and friends both at home and in Australia.’
Investigations into the circumstances of Branagan’s death are ongoing and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
A memorial service to honour Branagan will be held at Mary Immaculate Church in Waverley on Wednesday at 6pm.
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
