Sean Keaney (Rip.ie)
Whitsunday Island, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia.
Sean Keaney (35) from Ballinagh, Co. Cavan, has been identified locally as the Irish man who tragically drowned at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Emergency services recovered Mr Keaney’s body from the water at Whitehaven Beach at 11am on New Year’s Eve.
Having lived in the UK for several years, he is the third person reported to have drowned at New South Wales beaches in recent days.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the family.
His death notice states that he died “suddenly following a tragic accident” and that he is survived by his mother, Bridie; his sisters, Cathriona, Fiona, Breda, and Katie; and his brothers, Matt, Cathal, and Thomas. He was predeceased by his father, Charlie.
In a tribute posted online, Mr. Keaney’s London GAA club, Tara GFC, for whom he played, said he had a smile “that could light up a room and a laugh that could warm your heart”.
“After transferring from Crosserlough GFC in Cavan to Tara GFC, Sean spent an incredible four years with our club, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met,” the club said.
“We were incredibly lucky to have Sean by our side as we celebrated last year’s and this year’s Championship victories, as well as the All Britain titles. A man always found on the dance floor, with a smile that could light up a room and a laugh that could warm your heart, Sean will be unbelievably missed by us all.”
Sean Keaney (Rip.ie)
Today’s News in 90 Seconds , Friday Januaray 2, 2026.
The club has set up a Gofundme page to help with the cost of repatriating Mr Keaney’s remains home in association with the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
Already almost €10,000 of the €16,000 has been raised.