Tributes pour in for Limerick man who died at sea in Co Galway

TRIBUTES have poured in for a Limerick man, after his body was recovered off the coast in Co Galway.

Conor McLoughlin of North Circular Road, Limerick and formerly of Silver Spring Clonmel and Foynes Yacht Club, died at sea after getting into difficulty.

It is understood he got into difficulty on June 7 while attempting to retrieve a dinghy which was detached from the Peggy M, the yacht he was sailing with his wife.

His wife, Bernadette then made a call to the Irish Coast Guard. A multi agency search operation took place on Friday for Mr Loughlin, who was reported missing off Oileán Mhic Dara in the Carna area of Connemara on Thursday. His body was found on June 8.

Since the tragic news broke, tributes have been pouring in for Conor, who has been described as a “true gentleman” and a “joy to be around”.

Foynes Yacht Club, which Conor was a member of for years, paid tribute.

“It is with our deepest sympathy that we share the untimely and sudden passing of club member and dear friend Conor McLoughlin. Conor along with his wife Bernadette have been prominent members of Foynes Yacht Club for several years now. During this time Conor and Bernadette have offered unwavering support to our club and always given their time and energy whether it be to help out on a cleanup day or participate in club events on the water,” they said.

Over the years, Conor and Bernadette have been “true explorers”.

“They have voyaged far and wide, sailing to Norway, Scotland and a lot of Western Europe on their boat Peggy M. Their boat is a perfect example of a vessel that is kept immaculately, which is a true testament to Conor’s meticulous nature. Many of us at FYC followed their journey through AIS, as well as progress updates provided by Bernadette,” continued the club.

“Conor and Bernadette also gave a talk early last year on their trip around Ireland and Scotland, which was so appreciated and supported by our club members. They even won our Wanderlust trophy at the end of last season, as their miles travelled and places explored through sailing were so very impressive they had to be recognised.

“Conor was a true gentleman, no matter what the occasion you would always be assured a warm smile and a hello. He was the go to man when it came to electronics onboard, and was always willing to share his knowledge with others. Conor was a joy to be around, and his relationship with Bernadette was a true representation of companionship. We rarely saw them apart, and we know they enjoyed their life together so much.

“It’s difficult to put into words how devastated we are about Conor’s passing, but we here at FYC are so appreciative that we had the chance to get to know Conor. We offer our deepest sympathies to Bernadette as well as their three children. Conor will always be a part of Foynes Yacht Club, and has left us with so many fond memories. ‘May the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, until we meet again’. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dílis,” said the club.

Conor was the best friend and husband of Bernadette. Father of Lucy, Aideen and Fergus. Brother of Niale, Dee, Emer, Gary and Cormac. Son of the late Eamon and Peggy McLoughlin, Silver Spring Clonmel.

He will be reposing at home, 12 Old Westfields, North Circular Road, V94 FH1W, on Tuesday, June 11, from 3.30pm.

Pausing briefly at Foynes Yacht Club at 2.45pm, Wednesday, June 12, before private cremation.

A celebration of Conor’s life will take place at Foynes Yacht Club from 6.30pm on the same evening.

In lieu of flowers, the family have asked that donations be made here, to the RNLI.