Funeral details announced for Athlone brother and sister who drowned in Kerry

A joint funeral service will be held in Lecarrow next week for Dessie Byrne and his sister Muriel, the Athlone natives who tragically drowned in Kerry yesterday (Thursday) evening.

Dessie (50) and Muriel (62) were both parents, and their deaths have shocked and devastated their relatives and many friends in Athlone, South Roscommon, and in Malmo, Sweden, where Muriel was based.

They got into difficulty in the water at Ballybunion beach in Kerry at around 6pm yesterday evening, and tragically rescue services' efforts to save their lives were unsuccessful.

Originally from Baylough, Desmond (Dessie) Byrne lived at Carrigean Mór, Lecarrow, while Muriel Eriksson (née Byrne) had been living in Sweden.

They were predeceased by their beloved parents Una and Dessie, and are survived by brothers Kenny, Donal, Justin and Colm.

Dessie is sadly missed by his heartbroken partner Paulette, sons Dean and Josh, Paulette's daughter Regina and her sons Blake and Jace, his brothers, brother-in-law Kris (Sweden), sisters-in-law Maggie and Nong, aunts Kathleen and Kay, uncle John, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many good friends.

Muriel is sadly missed by her heartbroken husband Kris, son John, daughter-in-law My, grandson Liam, brothers, sisters-in-law Maggie and Nong, Dessie's partner Paulette, aunts Kathleen and Kay, uncle John, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many good friends.

Dessie and Muriel will repose at his home in Lecarrow (F42 T978) on Monday next, August 8, from 4pm until 8pm.

Their removals will take place on Tuesday morning, August 9, to St John's Church, Lecarrow, arriving for Mass of the Resurrection at 12 noon.

The burial of Dessie Byrne will take place afterwards in the local cemetery, while Muriel Eriksson's cremation will take place on Wednesday, August 10th, at 4pm in Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan.

The Byrne and Eriksson families have thanked the public for their support at this time.