A heartbreaking joint funeral has been announced for a brother and sister who died in a horrific drowning while on holiday.
Dessie Byrne, 50, tried to save his older sister Muriel Eriksson, 62, and he too got into difficulty at Ballybunion beach. Both siblings tragically died.
It is understood the pair and their families were on the first day of their holiday in the Co Kerry tourist spot.
READ MORE: Hero brother tried to save sister before both died in Kerry drowning tragedy
One of Dessie’s sons is understood to have been on the beach at the time of the tragedies and is understood to be in a state of shock and trauma after witnessing what happened.
Members of Ballybunion Sea and Cliff Rescue and Ballybunion Coast Guard unit began CPR on Dessie, but he was pronounced dead a short time later.
At the same time, Ballybunion Sea and Cliff Rescue searched the water and recovered Ms Eriksson, and transferred her to the beach. CPR was also carried out, but she too was pronounced dead.
The bodies of both deceased were removed from the scene by ambulance on Thursday evening to the mortuary at University Hospital Kerry in Tralee, where post mortem examinations are expected to take place.
A joint funeral mass has been announced for Dessie and Muriel by their heartbroken family, who also thanked the public for their support.
It’s due to take place in St John's Church in Lecarrow, Co Roscommon - where Dessie lived - on Tuesday, August 9 at noon.
The death notice for Muriel reads: “Muriel Eriksson (née Byrne), Malmo, Sweden, and formerly of Baylough, Athlone, Co Westmeath, Thursday, August 4th, 2022, tragically, alongside her brother Dessie.
“Predeceased by her beloved mother Una and father Dessie. Sadly missed by her heartbroken husband Kris, son John, daughter-in-law My, grandson Liam, brothers Kenny, Donal, Justin and Colm, sisters-in-law Maggie and Nong, Dessie's partner Paulette, aunts Kathleen and Kay, uncle John, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and her many good friends.
“May Her Gentle Soul Rest In Peace.
“Muriel will repose alongside her brother Dessie, at his home on Monday evening (August 8th) from 4 o'c until 8 o'c. Removal on Tuesday morning (August 9th) to St John's Church, Lecarrow arriving for Mass of the Resurrection at 12 noon. Cremation will take place on Wednesday (August 10th) at 4 o'c in Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan.
“The Eriksson and Byrne Families thank you for your support at this time.”
The death notice for Dessie reads: “Desmond (Dessie) Byrne, Carrigean Mór, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon and formerly of Baylough, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Thursday, August 4th, 2022, tragically, alongside his sister Muriel.
“Predeceased by his beloved mother Una and father Dessie. Sadly missed by his heartbroken partner Paulette, sons Dean and Josh, Paulette's daughter Regina and her sons Blake and Jace, brothers Kenny, Donal, Justin and Colm, brother-in-law Kris (Sweden), sisters-in-law Maggie and Nong, aunts Kathleen and Kay, uncle John, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and his many good friends.
“May His Gentle Soul Rest In Peace.
“Dessie will repose alongside his sister Muriel, at his home on Monday evening (August 8th) from 4 o'c until 8 o'c. Removal on Tuesday morning (August 9th) to St John's Church, Lecarrow arriving for Mass of the Resurrection at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in the local cemetery.
“The Byrne Family thank you for your support at this time.”
Hundreds of people have been paying their condolences to the family on the heartbreaking loss.
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