Primark and Penny's heir Barry Ryan drowns trying to save his 21-year-old son
His son leapt in to save his girlfriend Naim O'Connor, who also died
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Barry Ryan, the heir to retail giants Primark and Penney's, has drowned trying to save his son and his son's girlfriend after a tragic accident.
Barry's son, Barry Davis Ryan, had dived into the water after his girlfriend, Niamh O’Connor, was swept away as she stood on the rocks just off the coast of west Cork.
They got into difficulty, causing Barry Snr to leap in to try and save the young couple.
Barry’s 14-year-old daughter Charlotte ran to raise the alarm and get help, but despite a quick response they were unable to save him.
The bodies of Barry Snr and Niamh were pulled lifeless from the water and pronounced dead, while Barry Jnr’s body has yet to be recovered.
The extensive operation to uncover his remains includes on-land spotters, naval divers, coastguards, Civil Defence Cork West and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Crews had to hold off their search last night due to visibility but today conditions are much improved, according to reporters at the scene.
The Ryan family are well-known in the business community, having founded retail giant Penneys. All three worked at the store, which was founded by Barry Snr’s father Arthur Ryan.
Penneys released a statement today confirming the two deaths and the ongoing search for Barry Jnr.
It said: “We can confirm that two members of Penneys staff lost their lives in an accident off the coast of west Cork on Tuesday 30 June and that a third person is still missing, also a member of Penneys staff.
”All were much loved and respected colleagues and our thoughts are with their families at this very difficult time.“
The quiet West Cork village of Baltimore was in mourning today. Cllr Carroll told the Irish Mirror: “He was great fun, a good man, and very devoted to Ann and his two kids.
“Three deaths in this small place, just at the start of the summer. It’s so tragic."
Picture credit: Noel Baker/@noelbaker1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments