AN IRISHMAN who died over the weekend while on holiday in Australia has been named as 25-year-old Niall Quinn from Silverbridge in Co. Armagh.
Mr Quinn was staying on a houseboat when he fell from the top deck into the water.
It is believed he may have hit his head as he fell into the Murray River, near the border of New South Wales and Victoria.
Australian national news service 9 News reports that Mr Quinn, a builder, had been drinking with friends on the boat when the accident occurred.
New South Wales police were called to the incident at about 1.40am local time on Saturday and began a search immediately.
As well as the police boats, 10 privately owned vessels were involved in the search along the Murray River.
His body was recovered a few hours later.
Silverbridge GAA club, of which Mr Quinn was a member, expressed condolences to the family and friends of the “genuine talent”.
“Very sad news emerging this morning,” the club spokesman wrote on Twitter.
“Devastated to hear of the untimely death of Niall Quinn. Our sympathy and support to family and friends.”
Mr Quinn’s parents, Anthony and Deirdre, flew to Australia on Sunday after learning of their son’s tragic death and the Department of Foreign Affairs are providing his family with consular assistance.
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