A MAN WHO died when he went to the aid of children who got into difficulty in the water at Inch Beach, in Co Cork last Friday has been praised for his “heroism’ at his funeral mass.

Stephen O’Callaghan from Ashburton Hill, Montenotte in Cork ran into the sea in an attempt to save a group of children at around 3pm last Friday.

Four young people were rescued from the water.

However, Mr O’Callaghan (55) got caught in a strong undercurrent and lost his life.

Following his passing, his brother Emmet posted an online tribute which described Stephen as a “hero in the truest sense of the word who will be missed terribly by all those who loved him.”

Emmet advised his friends to never miss an opportunity to tell loved ones what they mean to them. He added that “unfortunately, the hero must always leave the stage early”.

Today a requiem mass for Mr O’Callaghan, who was late of Irish Customs, took place at 1pm in O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home in North Gate Bridge in Cork city.

It was a Tridentine mass, also known as the traditional Latin mass.

Fr Joseph Ortolano said that mourners had gathered to pray for the soul of a brave man.

“In this particular circumstance we thank God for the example of manly courage and heroism that is given through Stephen’s actions on his last day.

“His actions will forever remain as a mark of honour and esteem in the house O’Callaghan.”

At the conclusion of the mass a guard of honour was provided by Irish Customs. Burial followed at St Finbarr’s cemetery in Cork city.

The family of Mr O’Callaghan had requested that all those in attendance donate to the RNLI in lieu of flowers.

Meanwhile, a file has been sent to the Coroner in Cork and an inquest will be held in due course.

The search and rescue operation last Friday involved the coast guard units at Guileen and Crosshaven, along with the RNLI from Ballycotton and Crosshaven.

Rescue Helicopter 117 from Waterford was also tasked to go to Inch Beach.

Mr O’Callaghan is survived by his parents John and Kathleen and his siblings Katrina, Keith, Mary and Emmet.

He is “sadly missed” missed by his “heartbroken” family, relatives and a large circle of friends.  

Following his passing his mother Kathleen said on social media: “This is my son Stephen who lost his life in saving young boys. May God and his mother Mary watch over you Stephen. I love you. Your broken-hearted mother.”

A large number of tributes were paid to Stephen via RIP.ie, where he was described as “brave and selfless” and a “true hero”.