Double tragedy for family of Northern Ireland tourist, 26 whose body was recovered from Sydney Harbour a day after leaving a Barangaroo nightclub and vanishing

• Body found in Sydney Harbour after missing from a night out
• The tragedy is the second for the Branagan family
• READ MORE: Tragedy as Lorcán Branagan’s body is found in Sydney Harbour after he vanished without a trace from Bungalow8 in Barangaroo 

A young backpacker found dead in Sydney Harbour after a night out clubbing with mates had tragically lost his brother to a fatal heart attack six years ago.

Lorcán Branagan, 26, was last seen at Darling Harbour’s King Street Wharf around 3.30am on Sunday after partying with friends at the Bungalow 8 nightclub.

His body was located in the water by police divers on Monday afternoon, with investigations into his death ongoing and a report being prepared for the coroner.

His death is a second heartbreaking blow for his family in Northern Ireland after the death of brother Peárce, 23, from a suspected heart attack in June 2018.

In the wake of his brother’s death, Mr Branagan had often taken part in cardiomyopathy fundraising events in memory of his beloved sibling.

The family of Lorcán Branagan (pictured right) have been hit by the loss of a second brother and son, following the passing of 23-year-old Peárce (pictured left) from a cardiac incident in June 2018

Lorcán Branagan was enjoying a night out at the popular waterfront restaurant Bungalow 8 before his body was found in the water nearby

Mr Branagan’s sister Caitlin shared a heartbreaking tribute for her brother – adding that the family have comfort that the brothers will now be re-united.

‘Lorcán truly lived his life to the fullest,’ she began.

‘Losing our brother Peárce in 2018 was a difficult time for our entire family circle – but especially for our Lorcán. Him and Peárce were inseparable. They had a bond that was like no other and a love for one another that was indescribable.

‘Lorcán showed incredible strength during this time and the way he composed himself throughout was truly admirable to all.

‘Our family feels a sense of comfort to know you are both united again.’

She also paid tribute to his partner Shona, as well as his Australian-based family.

‘It breaks my heart how you were taken in such tragic circumstances and my heart goes out to his girlfriend Shona and all our cousins who are currently out in Australia,’ she said.

Lorcán Branagan (pictured right) had been living in Sydney before his death over the weekend

In a tribute to her brother posted on social media, Lorcán’s sister Caitlín (pictured right) described him as a ‘true gentleman who was full of joy and loved everything life had to offer’

Lorcan and his partner Shona both moved to Australia from Northern Island

In a statement from Clonduff GAC (Gaelic Sports Club), a spokesperson said ‘Lorcán left for a winter in Australia in November 2023 and was due to return home for club playing duty in the coming weeks.

‘Our club and community are absolutely devastated at the loss of a wonderful, young gentleman who represented our club with great distinction.’

Mr Branagan was also a beloved member of Young Ireland GAA Sydney, with the football club also sharing a touching tribute to their teammate.

‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our cherished member, Lorcán Branagan,’ the tribute posted to Facebook said.

Friends are gathering for a memorial at Mary Immaculate Church in Waverley on Wednesday evening.