‘There are no words’ – Former Sinn Fein MP thanks people for support following tragic death of her nephew

The funeral details for Fiachra Ó Faoláin have also been released after his body was recovered from a lake in the Carricklongfield Road area of Aughnacloy.

Mrs Gildernew posted on X on Tuesday morning: “There are no words. I’ve heard that so many times and there aren’t, but there are actions. Every hug, every handshake, every message & phone call, we have been comforted and supported. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your care. #Fiachra In ár gcroíthe go deo.”

Police confirmed that Mr Ó Faoláin entered the water in the lake shortly after 11pm on Saturday and got into difficulty.

A search team located his body on Sunday. They confirmed his death is not being treated as suspicious.

The 21-year-old from the Brantry area of Co Tyrone was one of six siblings and a twin to his sister, Dearbhla.

His funeral Mass will take place at noon on Thursday in St Joseph’s Church, Caledon. Interment will be afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

A funeral notice said he was the beloved son of Shane and Fiona (née Gildernew) and brother of Roisín, Méabh, his twin Dearbhla, Dáithí and Dualtách. He was also described as the dear grandson of Phelim and Geraldine Gildernew and Eileen and the late Patsy Fullen RIP.

Wake times will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 10pm with the family requesting that the house remain private on Monday evening and Thursday morning.

Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew and former Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew both paid tribute to their family member.

Michelle Gildernew thanked the large numbers of people from across Ireland who extended their condolences.

“Our hearts are broken following the death of our wonderful nephew Fiachra. He was a funny, impulsive, kind and generous young man who will be missed so deeply by all of us,” the Sinn Féin candidate for the Midlands North West in the Republic’s European election said.

“My thoughts are with his parents and brothers and sisters who are experiencing the most unimaginable grief.

“I want to thank all of those people, from across Ireland and around the world, who have been in touch to send their sympathies and prayers to us. Your support means so much to the entire family at this time.

“I hope people will understand that I will not be on the election trail in the coming days as my family tries to cope with this awful tragedy. Farewell Fiachra a stór mo chroí.”