The 21-year-old from the Brantry area of County Tyrone, was one of six siblings and a twin to his sister, Dearbhla.
Police confirmed he entered the water in the lake shortly after 11pm on Saturday and got into difficulty. A search team located his body on Sunday. They confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Mr Ó Faoláin was a nephew of Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew and former Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew.
Both paid tribute to their family member.
Ms Gildernew described him as her “one in a million” nephew on social media.
“We lost our funny, rebellious, kind, and generous nephew today. You were one in a million Fiachra. May you rest in eternal peace darling, Ar dheis De go raibh a anam,” she wrote.
His uncle Colm Gildernew meanwhile said: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of our nephew Fiachra after a tragic accident in Carrick Lough on Saturday evening.
“Our immediate thoughts are with Fiachra’s mummy, our sister Fiona, daddy Shane and his siblings Dearbhla, Roisín, Méabh, Dáithí and Dualtách and the wider Ó Faoláin and Gildernew families at this immensely difficult time.
“Fiachra was a much loved, loving and caring young man with a bright future ahead of him and he will be remembered fondly by all who knew and loved him.
“On behalf of Fiachra’s family, and our wider family circle, I want to extend our sincerest thanks and gratitude to the emergency services for all of their efforts and support.
“As the family begins to process this devastating and unimaginable loss, I would urge the media to respect their request for privacy at this time.”
On social media, another aunt expressed her grief and paid tribute to her “brilliant nephew,” describing him as “a wee angel”.
“My wee angel, Fiachra. 21-years old. Such a good fella and brilliant nephew. May you rest in peace.
“I pray for you all, your mummy, daddy, brothers, sisters, and our whole family circle. I am heartbroken, my wee angel”, she wrote.
Reflecting on fond memories, she added: “You will be sadly missed. Especially for those cups of tea you made for me when I was at your house. We will always love you.”
It’s understood Fiachra Ó Faoláin, who was in his early 20s, entered the water shortly after 11pm on Saturday and got into difficulty
A minute’s silence was observed in Healy Park before Sunday’s Tyrone GAA senior men’s match against Clare, out of respect for the deceased and his family.
The committee and members of Naomh Treasa, in Dungannon, the local club where his twin sister plays, also paid their own respects.
They wrote: “We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Fiachra. Especially his twin Dearbhla our senior player, his parents, his sisters Roisin, and Meabh who are former players, his brothers and all the O’Faolain and Gildernew family circle”.
A friend of Mr Ó Faoláin posted photographs of memories they shared during their friendship, captioned with a heartfelt tribute.
“The hardest goodbye. Rest easy Fiachra. I’ll see you up there”, he said.
Tyrone Underwater Search and Recovery shared their condolences online stating: “Our condolences to the family and friends of Fiachra, at such a difficult time in their life. Wishing you peace, comfort, and courage for the days ahead. May he rest in peace”.
A post on Funeral Times described his death as an “accident” and Mr Ó Faoláin as the dearly beloved “grandchild of Phelim and Geraldine Gildernew and Eileen and the late Patsy Fullen”.
The posted said that he is “sadly missed by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends” and that funeral arrangements would follow.
News Catch Up: Wednesday 29th May 2024
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
