The two Laois men who died in a diving tragedy in Portroe in Tipperary today have been named locally as Fergus and Philip Brophy from Lough, near Killenard.
Fergus (42) and Philip (34), who were both understood to be experienced divers, were diving at the facility in Tipperary when they got into difficulty.
“One of the men is understood to have got into difficulties while the other man raised the alarm and went back in to the water to help his brother,” reported RTE.
“One of the divers is believed to have surfaced and got out of the water before dying a short time later.
“The body of the second man was recovered from the water soon afterwards at depth of 26 metres.
It’s understood the tragedy happened at about 1.30pm.
The bodies of both men were removed to Limerick University Hospital where a post-mortem examination is due to take place.
The quarry in Portroe has been attracting divers for years and has been operating as a dive centre in recent years.
The Portroe dive centre is described on its website as “one of the best inland dive locations in Ireland”.
”It’s always divable regardless of weather conditions. Portroe slate quarry opened up 5 years ago as a dive centre.”
Fergus and Philip’s father Seamus was well known through his role working on the farm in Emo Court.
“It’s an awful tragedy for the family and the area and I’d like to pass on my sincere sympathies,” said local councillor Tom Mulhall.
“It’s dreadful news for any family to get and thoughts and prayers with them at this terrible time.”
