The devastated parents of Kildare man Paul Doran who tragically died heroically trying to save his daughter’s life have defended him against cruel trolls’ criticisms.
Online trolls ignored his family’s heartbreak in cruel comments about the location of the tragedy but his loved ones have now said: “If it weren’t for his quick actions, more would have died.”
Paul Doran, 45, died trying to rescue 11-year-old daughter Lyra in water beside an unpatrolled beach off the west coast of Australia last month.
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Paul, from Tipperkevin in Ballymore Eustace, moved with wife Simonne and their three children to Australia only last July.
They had been playing at Seven Mile Beach on Lennox Head, over 700 kms north of Sydney, in the Coral Sea of the Gold Coast in the state of New South Wales when tragedy struck.
Paul and Simonne, who is the daughter of Kildare businessman Jim Sheridan, well-known for the Johnstown Inn, bravely saved daughter Lyra and sons Vann and Shay, but Paul drowned.
Patrols had finished for the day on the beach and it took off-duty lifeguards 30 minutes to find Paul, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
His mum Helen and dad Pat flew to Oz to comfort Simonne and the children.
The well-known family, which owns Kildare company Pat Doran Construction, has now issued a statement to defend Aussie criticisms of the family swimming in the water at Lennox Head.
The family statement said: “We are all still reeling from the loss and it is hard to believe this has happened.
“Paul and Simonne took water safety very seriously and the kids took swimming lessons before coming to Australia.
“They were enrolled in little nippers and were only allowed in shallow waters..
"Paul and Simonne were both fit and healthy, and strong in the water.
“Our only solace is that because of Paul's quick reactions, and [his and Simonne’s] heroic actions as parents, that we didn't lose more than Paul that day.”
Arrangements for a ceremony for Paul are being finalised.
The statement explained: “The family are planning a service near Lennox Head to honour and remember Paul for the thoughtful, kind and caring dad, son, brother and friend that he was.
“Thank you so much for holding Paul and his family in your thoughts and prayers these last few days.
“From those who knew Paul, and those who have been touched by his bravery, thank you so much.
"There are no words for the generosity of heart you have shown.”
The statement added: “Arrangements will also be made to remember and honour Paul at home in Ireland for family, friends and the wider community who knew him.”
Family friend Brendan McDonnell last week explained that the tragedy of January 18 unfolded “in shallow waters when conditions quickly changed and they got into difficulty”.
He said: “Paul and Simonne quickly swung into action, getting their two boys Vann and Shay to shore, followed by their daughter Lyra.”
Some Lennox Head residents described it as “a true tragedy” and one said: “It was awful, it’s so sad. It’s a dangerous beach. It’s hazardous.”
Meanwhile, a Go Fund Me page target of €40,000 has already reached €64,870.
It includes a €1,000 contribution from four 10-year-olds who organised a 5Km Fun Run in Naas.
Donations can be made to the Go Fund Me page in aid of Paul’s family via the Paul Doran Hero Dad Fundraiser on the gofundme.com website.
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