This article is from page 13 of the 2007-06-12 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
THE tragic drowning of a man while swimming in Spanish Point last week has left the people of Cratloe in shock.
John Harrington (58), a father- of-three, drowned at teatime on Mere See E RA
Mr Harrington, who was originally from Newport, County Tipperary, had been swimming alone when he got into difficulty.
Two local surfers took his body ashore but efforts to resuscitate him failed and he died later.
Mr Harrington, a carpenter, had been staying at his family’s mobile home in Spanish Point during an early summer break. His wife, Kath- leen, had been due to join him on the holiday the following morning. The couple had spoken on the telephone Were rhe
Mr Harrington, a keen GAA fan, had planned to go to the Munster Senior Hurling Championship game between his native Tipperary and Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick on Sunday.
He was born in Tipperary and moved to Cratloe several years ago. His wife Kathleen hails from the lo-
cal area.
He was known locally as a talented musician and played the accordion in the local church and during senior citizens parties with members of his family. He was also involved in the GAA and community games locally and was a regular Mass-goer.
Cratloe parish priest, Fr Liam En- right, said the local community was in shock at Mr Harrington’s death.
“John’s death has come as an aw- ful shock to us all. He adored his family. He was very quiet and loyal and was a good musician. He was a great worker. He did everything for his family and made sure his three children furthered their careers.
‘He painted his house on Tuesday morning and headed to Spanish Point for a few days that evening,” said Fr JSyavwesd elm
‘He was well used to the area (Spanish Point) and was generally very careful. He used to go there eve- ry year to the Willie Clancy Summer School,” he added.
Mr Harrington is survived by his mother Peg, wife Kathleen (nee Chaplin), daughters Eimear and Orla, son Colm, brothers Michael and sis- ters Kathleen, Mary Bernadette and Geraldine.