'It's so upsetting': Tributes paid to father-of-three who drowned in Donegal diving tragedy

Tributes have poured in for the man who tragically drowned off the south west Donegal coast on Saturday.

Patrick (Pat) Doran, a 49-year-old father-of-three from Leitrim, was one of over 100 divers in the area to take part in the North West Dive Rally when tragedy struck.

Mr Doran was a diving enthusiast and regularly took part in similar events. He encountered difficulty and, at 12.20pm, the Malin Head Coast Guard responded to a mayday call.

The Coast Guard's 118 Rescue helicopter, based at Strandhill in Sligo, was dispatched to the scene.

Boat and ground crews from the Killybegs Coast Guard also attended with local gardai and other emergency services assisting.

Mr Doran was recovered from the water and while efforts were made to resussitate him, he was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

His dive partner, a man aged in his 60s, was rescued from the water and is currently receiving treatment for decompression sickness at Galway University Hospital.

The remainder of the North West Dive Rally, which was scheduled for two days, was cancelled by the organisers, the Donegal Bay Sub Aqua Club.

“It is so upsetting,” said the newly-elected Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Killybegs-based Councillor Niamh Kennedy.

“There are really no words. My heart missed a beat when I heard this awful news.

“It is only when a tragedy like this visits your community that you realise how dangerous the sea really is.”

Councillor Kennedy paid tribute to all of the emergency services who responded and to Mr Doran's bereaved family and friends.

The Donegal Coroner, Dr Denis McCauley, has been notified of Mr Doran's death and a post-mortem will take place early this week.

Predeceased by his father Jim, he is survived by his wide Siobhan, children Emmet, Caoimhe and Evelyn, his mother Bridie, Ann Marie, Dearbhla and Melissa, brothers James, Colm and Richard and a large circle of family and friends.

Funeral arrangements will be confirmed at a later time.

Mr Doran is a former Leitrim U21 footballer who lined out with his club, St Mary's, Kiltoghert.

He was deeply involved with the club, whom he captained to the Leitrim Intermediate Football Championship title in 1995 and was a selector in the 2000 team.

He was also player-manager of the St Mary's team that won the Junior B title in 2006.

“He not only represented the club with distinction, but also represented Leitrim at u16, u18 and u21,” the club said in a tribute.

“His love of sport extended beyond football and he played hurling, soccer, basketball, and athletics.

“Always one for the underdog, Paddy ensured that the club always entered third and fourth teams where possible and took on managerial positions to ensure their success.

“Paddy was more than a club member, the club was a part of him. There was nothing Paddy would not do to ensure we all got the club he felt we deserved.

“His straight talking, no nonsense, man of action approach endeared him to all who met him. His sad passing leaves a void in our club and our lives which will never be replaced.”

Lough Key Triathlon Club, where Mr Doran's wife, Siobhan, is a member added: “Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathy are with you and your family at this sad time.”