We regret to report that a 28-year-old Tipperary man, on a working holiday with his brother in Australia, has lost his life following a freak accident.
Mr Martin Costigan, a native of Templetuohy, Thurles, Co Tipperary, was in the sea with his brother and friends at lunchtime yesterday at Scarborough Beach, which is close to Perth, when he was swept away by a freak wave.
Mr Costigan, a non-swimmer, was one of a highly respected farming family of eight children and played hurling and Gaelic football for his local GAA club, Moyne Templetuohy.
Mr Costigan’s body was later recovered near the Perth coastline.
Mr Costigan had been in Australia for only a couple of months and had returned home at Christmas to be with his family and friends. Mr Costigan’s brother, who presently resides in New York, is flying out to Perth today.
The deceased man’s father Mr Connie Costigan, is chairman of the local Co-Op and is a former chairman of the Moyne-Templetuohy GAA club.
Our deepest sympathies go to his family and friends.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.
George. The death at Scarborough in Perth of this young Irish man is such a tragedy but this happens nearly every week here in Australia. We get dangerous rips that cost so many swimmers their lives and mostly from other countries who really don’t know what these rips can do. There are signs up on the beaches which state ‘no swimming’zone and are also marked by flags. I constantly warn Irish back packers of these dangers and very surprised how many come out here and cannot swim. The kids here learn to swim before they even start school. Maybe Ireland should take this on board. Our condolences to the family at this sad time and we will have prayers for Martin R.I.P. offered up at our local Church here on the Gold Coast.
Rest in Peace Martin Costigan
As each day moves on
The terrible pain will lessen
When memories are recalled
We will laugh share a silent tear
A gentle smile
When we remember
A special memory
Time will heal the hurt
But it cannot take away
Our special memories
Of someone
That was part of our family
For too short a time
But God had other plans
But it is so difficult
For us
Who are left behind-
To understand
We turn to God
To give us strength
To try and understand
And step into each day
With love for all around us
And always in our minds
Is the loved one
That God called home.
It is like the spring
New growth
A new beginning
Our loved ones
Have taken a heavenly journey
Where
When God decides
Our time
Has come
To be reunited
Until then
We will hold you
Inside our hearts
Never to far away
To have a chat
You may not answer
But we know
You are listening.
Marian Quinlan Curtin, Templetuohy, Thurles Co Tipperary
“One Nice Young Man, Will be forever young.”